Grab your binoculars and spy some of the 200 species that nest locally.
With some 200 species that call Lanark County home, you’re sure to find some interesting birds here.
Go for a walk, get on the water, drive slowly down a country road and check out these prime locations for watching our fine feathered friends courtesy of local experts and friends at the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists.
Mississippi Riverwalk Trail
How to get there: At Carleton Place, take McNeely Ave. from Highway #7 to Lake Avenue. On Lake Avenue, go west to find the arena, just behind the hospital. Park in front of the arena.
Observation Point: At river side of arena, join trail which meanders along the river.
Watch For: Water birds, berry-eating birds, warblers and many others.
Seasonal Information: Good all seasons. Some open water in winter.
O-Kee-Lee Nature Trail
How to Get There: In Carleton Place, go through town main street to High Street and west to Joseph Street. Take Joseph St. to the river. Trail is marked on right.
Observation Points: Scan park and river shores. Follow trails through area. While in town, drive to other side of river and Riverside Park at boat launch.
Watch For: Ducks in lagoons and in river; waterthrush, cardinals, berry eaters and high canopy warblers. Many duck species at boat launch.
Season Information: Good all seasons. River open in winter.
Appleton and Mississippi River
How to Get There: From Carleton Place, go north on County Rd. 29 towards Almonte. Turn on Wilson St. towards village of Appleton, go through village of Appleton, over the bridge, then go left on River St. to bay and boat launch.
Observation Points: River viewing all along Wilson St. past the golf course. Check out golf course. Viewing at bay. Reverse and follow River Rd. to County Rd.17 (Appleton Sideroad) to look along Mississippi River.
Watch For: Open field birds along golf course, River Road and Appleton Sideroad. River and migrating ducks, loons, grebe, herons. Occasional bald eagle over river in bay. Warbling vireo nests in willows at bay. Martin house to east of bay. Swallows and shorebirds.
Seasonal Information: Good all seasons. Some open water in winter.
For more interesting Lanark County bird watching locations visit the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists site.
