Reilly Bird Nature Reserve
Named after the generous man who donated the property, Reilly Bird, this 27.5-hectare reserve is a stunning parcel of mixed hardwood forest situated along the upper Ottawa River, just northwest of the town of Deep River.
The reserve protects nearly half of the Meilleurs Bay shoreline, an Ottawa River inlet, which provides excellent habitat for basking turtles and spawning fish. Huey Creek, a cold water stream that supports brook trout, runs through the reserve. Moss covered cedars and yellow birch hug the sandy shoreline of Huey Creek and are frequented by belted kingfishers and ruffed grouse.
A steep esker left over from the glaciation of the Ottawa Valley rises up from the creek bed and overlooks the river. Eskers are raised, meandering deposits of sand and gravel that are remnants of rivers that flowed through or under glaciers during the last glaciation. A mature stand of large-toothed aspen, red maple, white pine, balsam fir, paper birch and striped maple rests atop this sandy ridge providing perfect habitat for birds like the hermit thrush, brown creeper and Nashville warbler.
Reilly Bird Nature Reserve has has just one of the many nature trails and hiking trails you can find throughout Ontario by using the search features of OntarioNaturetrails.com
Region(s): Renfrew CountyNearby towns and cities: Deep River
Reilly Bird Nature Reserve characteristics
Length: Not knownDifficulty: Moderate (Trail classifications)
Trail surface: Natural
Trail use: Hiking
Accessibility Notes: Not wheelchair accessible.
Fees: None
Flora & Fauna:
Great blue herons can be spotted fishing in Meilleurs Bay. Two species of orchids, the dwarf rattlesnake-plantain and broad-lipped twayblade, grow in the shade of the cedar groves.
Amenities: None
Contact:
info@ontarionature.org
1-800-440-2366, 416-444-8419
Find it: Approximately 14 km west of Deep River on south side of Highway 17
GPS Coordinates (main trailhead):
Latitude: 46.1693180
Longitude: -77.6291770