Birding Locations

The following is the slightly modified (February 2000) full text of an article on Hamilton area birding spots which first appeared in the American Birding Association's 'Winging It' newsletter in July 1991. Extensive directions to Hamilton Birding Area locations named are given at the end.

ONTARIO'S BEST KEPT BIRDING SECRET

Waterbirds, Raptors, Shorebirds, Warblers - Hamilton has it all!

Copyright © 2000 - Hamilton Naturalists' Club

by Mike Street

If asked, most Canadians would say that Hamilton is known for its steel plants and the usually rough and tough Tiger Cat football team. In reply to the same question, a knowledgeable birder's eyes would probably light up.

Hamilton's geographic location is almost unique among North American birding hotspots. Situated in a transitional area between the Carolinian and Great Lakes/St. Lawrence zones at the extreme south-west end of Lake Ontario, the city is 50 miles west of Niagara Falls and 40 miles north of Lake Erie. The two large bodies of water, the Niagara Escarpment literally running through the city, several very large conservation areas plus the extensive properties managed by the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the more temperate climate of the adjacent Niagara Peninsula, all contribute to the fact that the local species list stands at 375 and growing. Unusual birds turn up every year. In one year alone the area recorded a Wilson's Plover, 5 Ruffs, a Lark Bunting and an immature Swainson's Hawk. On December 1, 1990 local birders going to the Niagara River for winter gulls were able to see three King Eiders and then a Rufous Hummingbird on the way!

The following is a sampler of the good birding available in the Hamilton area at all times of the year. Directions to specific locations are given at the end of the article.

AUGUST-NOVEMBER

SHOREBIRDS: Windermere Basin, rural sewage lagoons and, if water levels are right, Dundas Marsh are the places to look for returning shorebirds. Semipalmated Plover, Wilson's Phalarope, plus Baird's, Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers usually arrive in the first part of August. White-rumped Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers and Dunlin arrive several weeks later. In late August Windermere Basin and the sod farms along and near Highway 6 on the mountain south of the city are prime spots for Buff-breasted Sandpiper, as well as Black-bellied and Lesser Golden Plover. Through the period, it is possible to see almost 30 species of shorebirds. Western Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope are uncommon but regular visitors.

WARBLERS: The first returning warblers arrive early in August, and reach a peak in mid-September when finding 10-15 species in a day is fairly easy. Canada, Black-and-White, Blackburnian and Black-throated Green are early, while Yellow-rumped, Palm, Black-throated Blue, and American Redstart come later. Martin Road, HRCA Resource Centre and the Merrick Field Centre in the Dundas Valley and the North Shore Trails are good early spots. As more birds arrive, especially if it rains during the night, the Dundas Marsh, South Shore Trails, Woodland Cemetery and Van Wagner's Ponds are excellent places to look.

RAPTORS: Late August sees Sharp-shinned Hawks, Osprey and American Kestrels starting to move. The September 15-20 period can bring thousands of Broad-winged Hawks if atmospheric conditions are right. Bald Eagles are seen regularly through September. Northern Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls start to arrive for the winter in late September. The end of September is the prime period for Peregrine Falcons. October brings Northern Harriers, Red-shouldered, Red-tailed and Cooper's Hawks, and Northern Goshawks. Look for Golden Eagles from mid-October well into November. Rough-legged Hawks begin to arrive for the winter in early November. Best spots for fall raptors are usually the High Level Bridge and Woodland Cemetery; if winds have a strong southerly component, Rock Chapel and the area above the northern escarpment may be better.

GULLS: By mid-September east winds, the stronger the better, bring good gulls. Black-legged Kittiwake, Little and Sabine's Gulls, plus Pomarine and Parasitic Jaegers, can often be seen off Van Wagner's Beach.

SPARROWS: It may be surprising to see sparrows listed as an attraction, but as many as 11 species, including Fox and Lincoln's, have been seen on a fall day. Check Woodland Cemetery, Beverley Swamp, Martins Road, HRCA Resource Centre, Merrick Field Centre and Berry CA. Another location, where the much sought after Sharp-taileds usually arrive in early October, is the Dundas Marsh.

WATERBIRDS: Ducks, grebes, geese, swans and loons all use the west end of Lake Ontario as a staging area. It is not unusual to be able to find 20 or more species of ducks, including all three scoters; 3 or 4 types of grebe, occasionally including Eared; and several geese, Brant among them. An enjoyable day can be had by following the shoreline and stopping at Bronte Harbour, Sioux Lookout, Shoreacres, Spencer Smith Park, LaSalle Park, the Beach Canal, Tollgate Ponds, Windermere Basin, Van Wagner's Beach, and Fifty Point CA. Woodland Cemetery and the Dundas Marsh should also be visited.

DECEMBER-FEBRUARY

WINTER VISITORS: Large flocks of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks, often with a few Lapland Longspur mixed in, are normally found on farm fields throughout the area; a prime spot for them is along Jerseyville Road (be sure to watch for Grey Partridge at the same time.) Depending on the size and timing of irruptions, Pine Siskins, Purple Finches, Evening Grosbeaks, Northern Shrikes, Bohemian Waxwings, White-winged and Red Crossbills and Common Redpolls may visit in winter. Sites in Flamborough Township, particularly the Hyde Tract, Westfield Pioneer Village and the Beverly Swamp are always worth a look.

WATERBIRDS: As many as 15 species of ducks will winter if harbour or lakeshore ice permit. All 3 mergansers, Northern Pintail, both scaup and American Black Ducks are among those which can be found. Common Loon, Horned Grebe, Double Crested Cormorant and Black Crowned Night Heron may also over-winter. Glaucous and Iceland Gulls can often be found. The Lake Ontario shoreline points mentioned above, Windermere Basin, Tollgate Ponds, and the usually ice-free Desjardins Canal should all be checked, as should Bronte Harbour.

RAPTORS: Some of the raptors which arrive in fall don't go any further than just south of the city. Northern Saw-Whet Owls are often found at Taquanyah CA, while numerous Long- and Short- eareds select suitable habitat between Hagersville and Caledonia and the north shore of Lake Erie. Rough-legged and Red-tailed Hawks and Northern Harriers also like this area. Eastern Screech Owls can be called in most deciduous woodlots in the region. Snowy Owls are quite cyclical, but one usually chases ducks at Windermere Basin for at least a few days each winter.

MARCH-MAY

RAPTORS:Starting March 1 members of the Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch spend at least 8 hours a day counting the different species of raptor which follow the Niagara Escarpment on their way north. Beamer CA is the place to be. Red-tails, Rough-legs, Red-shoulders, Northern Harrier, Cooper's and Sharp Shins are the most regular passers-by in March. April brings many more Sharp Shins, plus Northern Goshawk, American Kestrel, Osprey, Northern Harriers and, usually, lots of Broad-wings. Bald and Golden Eagles are usually seen between mid-March and mid-April. On a good day in April it is sometimes possible to see as many as 12-14 different species of raptor. Stragglers of many species, often immature birds, continue to fly through in May.

WARBLERS: While Point Pelee and Long Point are rightfully famous for their spring warblers, Hamilton is right behind. On a good day in mid-May, usually after overnight rains, it is possible to see 20-25 species, including Kentucky, Connecticut, and Worm-eating. Shell Park, Dundas Marsh, Woodland Cemetery, Chedoke Golf Course, and the breeding locations mentioned below are all excellent places to look.

OTHER PASSERINES: Most northern sparrows, flycatchers, thrushes and other songbirds pass through in spring. Many, occasionally even a Summer Tanager, Olive-sided Flycatcher or White-eyed Vireo, stay for a day or two, but if the weather is right they may go past without stopping. Again, overnight rains help to bring them down for birders to see.

WATERBIRDS: American Coot, Common Moorhen, Least (declining) and American Bittern, Virginia Rail and Sora all arrive by early May and stay to breed in the area. Look for them in Dundas Marsh, Valens CA, Mountsberg CA, Beverley Swamp and other suitable habitat.

JUNE-JULY

WARBLERS: Many warblers stay to breed, including Golden-winged, Blue-winged, Lawrence's/Brewster's, Mourning, Yellow, Cerulean, Black-and-white, Black-throated Green, Nashville, Chestnut-sided, Pine and Canada, plus Ovenbird, Common Yellowthroat, both Northern and Louisiana Waterthrush, and American Redstart. Martin Road, HRCA Resource Centre, Merrick Field Centre, Beverley Swamp and the Hyde Tract are the best places to look. Hooded has been reported at Martin Road, and Prairie Warbler is believed to have bred at or near the Hyde Tract.

OTHER PASSERINES: Wood Thrushes and the occasional Veery stay to breed. Northern Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers, Eastern Towhees and Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks all breed as well, as do many flycatchers, including Least, Willow, Great-crested and Alder, plus the 'Easterns' - Pheobe, Wood Pewee and Kingbird. All the Warbler locations are good for these species. Among the sparrows, Field, Vesper, Savannah, Clay-colored and Grasshopper all breed and can be found in suitable, mostly rural, habitat.

SHOREBIRDS: The northward spring migration seems hardly over when the first Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers and Short-billed Dowitchers return, showing up around the first of July. In the last few years Ruffs have also been seen at this time. Check Windermere Basin and, if water levels are right, Dundas Marsh and rural sewage lagoons. Windermere Basin and the sod farms along and near Highway 6 on the mountain south of the city are prime spots for Upland Sandpiper in mid-July.

HAMILTON AREA BIRDING LOCATION GUIDE

Copyright © 2000 - Hamilton Naturalists' Club

The following directory of birding locations in the Hamilton Birding Area (see boundaries below) was revised in the fall of 1999 by Mike Street, with help from Bob Stamp, John Olmsted and Don McLean, whose assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

As much as possible new road names or designations (made necessary by Provincial Government 'down-loading' of highways onto municipal governments) have been used, with former numbers given where applicable, however:

PLEASE NOTE: 1) when a major highway goes through an urban area, the part of the highway 'down-loaded' will have a local name, but the major highway number is also shown on signs to allow travellers to pass through the community. Examples of this in our area are Hwys. 2, 6 and 8; 2) 'New' highway numbers are subject to change - even 'new' maps may be wrong. For instance, Governor's Rd. in Dundas is shown as Reg. Rd. 399 on two different maps, but the actual sign on the road says 'Reg. Rd. 99'. (The last two digits of the road number seem to be key.)

Corrections to directions and suggestions for additions to the directory are welcome. Please send to Mike Street by email at:

Locations are listed alphabetically. Viewers may also use the Edit/Find feature available on most browsers.

IMPORTANT: When directions such as 'go east' or 'go north' etc. are given, they are as accurate as possible relative to the starting point and actual compass directions. At times this will be different from people's perceptions of direction. For instance, the Queen Elizabeth Way runs Northeast / Southwest from Toronto to Burlington, then turns close to 90 degrees and travels almost due east/west toward Niagara Falls. A direction to 'go east from the QEW' in Burlington and 'go north from the QEW' in Stoney Creek will both take you to the shore of Lake Ontario.

CAUTION! Unfortunately, this area is no different from any other. Do not leave valuables in your car, or at the very least do not leave valuables in plain sight.

Albion Falls - see Red Hill Creek

Arboretum (Royal Botanical Gardens) - see Nature Centre

Bayfront Park/Pier 4 Park, Hamilton - take Bay St. north from Main St. W. or King St. W. to Harbourfront Drive. Pier 4 Park begins further north along Bay. St.

Beach Canal, Burlington - QEW to Eastport Drive (from Hamilton take Exit 97 and follow Eastport Drive over lift bridge, from Niagara take Exit 93 and follow Eastport to bridge); park at lighthouse or on lake side of Eastport, east of bridge.

Beamer Conservation Area (Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority) - QEW to Exit 71 in Grimsby; follow Christie St./Mountain St. (Reg Rd. 12) up the escarpment. At crest of hill, opposite the Eastern Rite church, take Ridge Rd. West (Reg.Rd. 79) 2.4 km. to Quarry Rd., follow signs. Alternate directions: If travelling from west of Hamilton, eg. London or Kitchener, take Hwy. 403 to Lincoln Alexander Parkway in Ancaster, take The Linc east to its end at Mud St., follow Mud St. across Hwy. 20 all the way to Woolverton Rd. (approx. 20km), turn left (north) on Woolverton to Ridge Rd. W., then go right (east) approx 2.0km on Ridge Rd. to Quarry Rd.

Berry Conservation Area, Dundas (Royal Botanical Gardens) - York Rd. (Dundas) to Valley Rd., north to Patterson Rd., right 250 m. (parking limited) [Note: Olympic Drive becomes York Rd. - see Dundas Marsh].

Binbrook Conservation Area - see Lake Niapenco

Beverly Swamp, Flamborough Township (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - Hwy. 8 west to Valens Rd., north to 8th Concession Rd., then east about 1.6 km. Parking area is just east of power lines.

Borer's Falls Conservation Area, Dundas (Royal Botanical Gardens) - follow directions to Hopkins Tract. Park at Hopkins Tract lot and walk east along York Rd. toward Valley Rd. Borer's Falls CA is on north (escarpment) side of York. Rd.

Bronte Harbour, Oakville - QEW Exit 111 to Bronte Rd., east to Lake Ontario end of Bronte Rd. (former Hwy. 25) across Lakeshore Blvd. in Oakville.

Bronte Provincial Park, Oakville (fee) - QEW Exit 109 to Burloak Rd., west 200 m. to park entrance.

Bronte Woods, Oakville - see Shell Park

Caledonia - on Hwy. 6, south of Hamilton.

Chedoke Creek, Hamilton - Aberdeen Ave. to Chedoke St., up hill to Hillcrest Ave., turn left to park.

Christie Conservation Area, Flamborough Township (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - on Hwy. 5 west of Hwy. 6 and Brock Rd., follow signs (fee).

Coote's Paradise - See Dundas Marsh

Desjardins Canal, Dundas - follow directions for Dundas Marsh, turn right at Olympic Dr., go 100 m. on Olympic, turn left to parking area.

Dundas Marsh (Royal Botanical Gardens) - Main St. West to Cootes Drive (at McMaster University), down hill (north) to bridge over creek. Watch the parking regulations - the best way is to continue 200 m. to Olympic Drive, then u-turn back to the bridge on the south side of Cootes Drive. Take the trail on the side of the bridge away from McMaster and follow it (the creek should be on your RIGHT side) for 250 m. to the foot bridge. At this point you can continue ahead and then go left to what is called the Hydro Pond (see alternate directions). There is an abandoned steel tower there.

If you cross the foot bridge there are two paths:

1. Go more or less straight ahead on the trail and you will be facing Cootes' Paradise and the City of Hamilton. You will find another abandoned steel tower in front of you.
2. If you turn sharp left after crossing the bridge, there is a trail along the creek which goes out to what is called theWillows. If you follow this trail the creek is now on your LEFT side. Part way down the trail there is a pond on the right when this end of the marsh is wet. At the end of the Willows there can be extensive mudflats. Note: this trail can be wet and muddy, there are holes in the ground made by animals, and there are fallen trees which require agility to circumvent.

Dundas Trail Centre (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - Main St. W./Osler Dr. from Hamilton to Dundas, at intersection at bottom of hill turn left (west) off Osler onto Governor's Rd. (Reg. Rd. 399/99, former Hwy. 99) and go approx. 5 km. west, follow signs. (fee).

87 Acre Park, Stoney Creek - see Vinemount Quarries

Fifty Point Conservation Area, Winona (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - QEW Exit 78 to Fifty Rd., north to North Service Rd., follow signs (fee during most of year).

Gray's Road/Green Road, Stoney Creek - QEW Exit 88 to Centennial Parkway (Hwy. 20), north to lake side of QEW, follow North Service Rd. east past Confederation Park, turn toward lake at main streets which intersect it. Gray's Rd. is first east of park.

Grindstone Creek - see Royal Botanical Gardens Headquarters

Hagersville - on Hwy. 6, south of Hamilton.

Hagersville Recyling (junkyard) - on Reg. Rd. 20 (Indian Line) approx. 4km. east of Hagersville traffic light at Hwy. 6.

Hamilton Harbour - see Bayfront Park

Hendrie Valley - see Royal Botanical Gardens Headquarters

High Level Bridge, Hamilton - viewing area on York Blvd., 1.5 km. north of Dundurn Castle (follow signs for Royal Botanical Gardens - limited parking at monument on RBG side of bridge).

Hopkins Tract, Dundas (Royal Botanical Gardens) - follow directions to Berry Tract but turn into parking lot just east of railway overpass on York. Rd. before Valley Rd.

HRCA Resource Centre, Ancaster (Hamilton Region ConservationAuthority) - Hwy. 403 to Mohawk Rd. / Rousseaux St. (Ancaster),west to Wilson St. (former Hwy. 2), right 700 m. downhill to Montgomery Drive, left on Montgomery to T-intersection, right on Old Dundas Rd. (very steep) to first stop sign, go straight ahead on Lion's Club Rd., turn right on Artaban Rd. and follow HRCA signs for Resource Centre. Note: Resource Centre closed in 1996 - it is possible to drive to the first gate, then park and walk down the valley. Access and parking lot also on Old Dundas Rd. past Lower Lion's Club Rd.(Fee area).

Hyde Tract, Flamborough Township - (Ministry of Natural Resources forest) follow signs for African Lion Safari along Hwy. 8 west to Regional Rd. 552, north to Safari Rd., east (away from the Safari park) about 1 km., parking on right.

Hydro Pond, Dundas (Royal Botanical Gardens) - This pond at the extreme west end of Coote's Paradise and the Dundas Marsh is named for the Ontario Hydro building situated on its west side. Follow directions for Desjardins Canal but keep going 700 m. further on Olympic Drive to the Olympic Arena. Park behind the arena and follow the path on the south (city) side of the public gardens.

Iroquoia Heights CA, Hamilton/Ancaster (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - Access near Scenic Drive and Chateau Court at edge of escarpment.

King's Forest CA, Hamilton - see Red Hill Creek

Lake Niapenco, Glanbrook Township (part of Binbrook Conservation Area) - go south on Hwy. 6 from Mount Hope (Hamilton Airport) to Chippewa Rd., turn left (east) and follow signs. There is access to the west end of Lake Niapenco from a parking lot on Tyneside Rd., about .5 km south of Chippewa Rd.

LaSalle Marina/Park, Aldershot - Hwy. 403 from Hamilton to Toronto or Plains Rd. (Burlington) northeast to Waterdown Rd. / LaSalle Park Rd., right (east) to end of LaSalle Park Rd. at Hamilton Harbour. Can also be reached by taking North Shore Blvd. southwest along Hamilton Harbour from QEW Exit 97.

Martin (also known as Martin's) Road/Spring Valley, Ancaster (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - Hwy. 403 west to Fiddler's Green Rd., left (north) on Fiddler's Green to T- intersection at Jerseyville Rd., left (west) on Jerseyville Rd. Spring Valley is about 2 km. at bottom of hill (Lion's Club Pool and parking area on right); Martin Road is another 1 km. further, take first right after Ancaster High School at Morgan Firestone Community Centre, go down steep hill.

Merrick Field Centre, Ancaster (Hamilton Region Conservation Area) - see directions for HRCA Resource Centre; after stop sign on Old Dundas Rd. continue straight ahead on Lion's Club Rd. to parking area. Note: Centre closed in 1996 - it is possible to drive to within 300 metres, then park and walk in. (Fee area)

Mount Albion Conservation Area (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - south side of Mountain Brow Blvd. at junction with Mud St. Parking at Albion Falls (see Red Hill Creek and Valley).

Mountsberg Conservation Area (Conservation Halton) - Hwy. 6 north to Regional Rd. 518, turn right, follow signs. Also home of Mountsberg Centre For Birds of Prey.

Nature Centre/North Shore Trails (Royal Botanical Gardens) - York Blvd. (Hamilton) past High Level Bridge toward Royal Botanical Gardens, follow signs for Arboretum and Nature Centre (parking fee at certain times of the year)

North Shore Trails - see Nature Centre

Paletta Lakeshore Park, Burlington - see Shoreacres

Pier 4 Park - see Bayfront Park

Pier 24/25 Pond - see Windermere Basin

Princess Point, Hamilton (Royal Botanical Gardens) - city end of Cootes Paradise; from Main St. W. or King St. W. (just west of Hwy. 403 overpass) turn north on Macklin St.

Red Hill Creek and Valley - Starting from the North (Lake Ontario) end:

1. Parking at Hutch's Restaurant for Van Wagner's Ponds (which see) and on Eastport Drive for end of Red Hill Creek.
2. Parking along the eastern end of Brampton St.(beside the water and sewage treatment plant) for Red Hill Marsh and lower creek.
3. Parking in Red Hill Bowl parking lot (south-west corner of King Street and Lawrence Road) for central valley.
4. Rosedale Arena parking lot and behind Rosedale Arena (Greenhill Ave. and Rosseau Rd.) along the creek for lower King's Forest. e) Small parking area on Mt. Albion Road just north of (below) the escarpment for central King's Forest.
5. Three lots on the mountain (escarpment) for upper King's Forest:
   1. Mud St., just west of Mt. Albion Rd.,
   2. junction of Mud St. and Mountain Brow Blvd. (at Albion Falls), and
   3. Mountain Brow Blvd., just west of junction with Mud St.

Rock Chapel (Hamilton Region Conservation Area) - follow directions for Berry CA, stay on Valley Rd. to top of hill, turn west on Rock Chapel rd., follow signs.

Rock Chapel (Hamilton Region Conservation Area) - follow directions for Berry CA, stay on Valley Rd. to top of hill, turn west on Rock Chapel rd., follow signs.

Royal Botanical Gardens Headquarters, 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington - From Hamilton follow York Blvd. past Dundurn Castle and over High Level Bridge. York Blvd. becomes Plains Rd. W. From Hwy. 403 take Hwy. 6 exit (to Guelph), turn right at first traffic light after ramp and follow signs. Access here to major gardens, Hendrie Valley and Grindstone Creek.

Sayers Park, Stoney Creek - see Gray's Road. Turn right off Gray's onto Lakegate Dr., go 100m. NOTE parking restrictions!

Shell Park, Oakville - on Lakeshore Rd. (former Hwy. 2) between Burloak Rd. and Bronte Rd. (look for oil refinery). From parking lot trails go north and east-west along pipeline right-of-way into area also known as Bronte Woods.

Shoreacres/Paletta Lakeshore Park, Burlington - on Lakeshore Rd. (former Hwy. 2) between Walker's Line and Appleby Line, just northeast of Shoreacres Dr.

Sioux Lookout, Burlington - on Lakeshore Rd. (former Hwy. 2) between Guelph Line and Walker's Line.

South Shore Trails, Dundas/Hamilton (Royal Botanical Gardens) - same directions as for Dundas Marsh, follow signs. Many other access points, including Princess Point.

Spencer Smith Park, Burlington - QEW Exit 97 to North Shore Blvd., about 1 km. northeast of QEW on North Shore Blvd./Lakeshore Rd. past Joseph Brant Hospital on Lake Ontario.

Spring Valley, Ancaster - see Martin Rd.

Taquanyah Conservation Area (Grand River Conservation Authority) - Hwy. 6 south to Caledonia, Reg. Rd. 54/Hwy. 54 east to Cayuga, Hwy. 3 west about 3 km, follow signs.

Tollgate Ponds - on Eastport Dr., east of lift bridge on city side of Hamilton Harbour at base of Skyway Bridge.

Travelodge Hotel, Burlington (formerly Venture Inn) - on Lake Ontario at intersection of Brant St. and Lakeshore Rd., at opposite end of Spencer Smith Park from hospital.

Valens Conservation Area (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - follow directions for Beverly Swamp, continue north on Valens Rd. to Reg. Rd. 97 and follow signs.

Valley Inn - follow directions for High Level Bridge, continue along York Rd. to Valley Inn Rd., turn right. Parking at base of hill and also over bridge, then left.

Van Wagner's Beach & Ponds - Eastport Dr. to Beach Blvd. to Van Wagner's Beach Rd. (follow signs for Confederation Park), or QEW Exit 88 to Centennial Parkway (Hwy. 20, Stoney Creek) to Van Wagner's Beach Rd. then west (toward Skyway Bridge). Park near Hutch's Restaurant.

Venture Inn, Burlington - see Travelodge Hotel

Vinemount Quarries, Stoney Creek - abandoned quarry east of Tenth Rd. E. within 87 Acre Park. Take Hwy. 20 (Centennial Parkway) to Mud St., turn east on Mud to Tenth Rd E. turn north (left) to Green Mountain Rd., then right (east) to abandoned quarry on left. Alternate route: QEW to Fifty Rd, Fifty Rd. south to top of escarpment (where it becomes 11th Rd. East after stop sign at Ridge Rd. W.), continue south on 11th Rd. E. to and around 90ø bend at Green Mountain Rd., stay on Green Mountain Rd. for another 300 m.

Westfield Pioneer Village (Hamilton Region Conservation Authority) - follow directions for Hyde Tract, village is on Reg. Rd. 552 just south of Con. 6.

Willows (The) - see Dundas Marsh

Windermere Basin - on Eastport Dr., east of Tollgate Ponds (look for truck wash station at South Gate Rd.). Pier 24/25 pond is on city side of bridge along South Gate Rd. Also accessible from Strathearne Ave. N. off Burlington St. E. Caution: Parking restrictions on weekdays.

Woodland Cemetery - Gardens Rd., behind Royal Botanical Gardens Headquarters. Drive past cemetery buildings into cemetery, bear left (south) toward Hamilton Harbour.

Hamilton Birding Area Boundaries:

The Hamilton Birding Area, a 40km circle centered on Dundurn Castle, includes all of Hamilton-Wentworth, the city of Burlington and most of the Regional Municipality of Halton on the north, part of Mississauga on the northeast, and parts of the Regional Municipalities of Haldimand-Norfolk (south), Niagara (east) and Kitchener-Waterloo (north-west), plus Brant County and the City of Brantford on the west and south-west.

The cities of Hamilton, Ancaster (west), Dundas (west) and Stoney Creek (east), as well as the Townships of Glanbrook (south) and Flamborough (north-west), form the Regional Municipality of Hamilton-Wentworth. [Note: as of January 2000 the Provincial Goverment is forcing most of the above municipalities to amalgamate into one city. Signs will change and this summary will be updated as soon as possible.]

Birding Hotline:

(905) 381-0329, 24-hour taped message sponsored by The Hamilton Naturalists' Club, updated weekly (normally Thursday PM) and if an unusual bird turns up in the Hamilton area. Reports can be left on the incoming message tape or sent by email to ..

Weather Forecast/Reports:

(905) 543-1136 - Environment Canada 24-hour taped message, updated hourly

Maps:

• Topographical: maps 30 M/4, 30 M/5, 30 L/13, 40 P/1, 40 P/8 & 40 I/16, published by Natural Resources Canada, cover virtually the whole area described; $14.95 + taxes each for plastic coated version; 11.45 + taxes for standard paper map. Agent: Federal Publications Inc., 165 University Ave., Toronto. Telephone 416-860-1611, or toll-free (1-888-433-3782), by e-mail (maps@fedpubs.com) or visit their website www.fedpubs.com.
• Hamilton & environs (city streets); Allmaps of Canada, Rand McNally, Map Art, etc.; approx. $3.00 (available at gas stations, variety stores, major book stores, etc.)
• South Central Ontario (rural roads); Allmaps of Canada, Rand McNally, Map Art, etc.; approx. $3.00 (available at gas stations, variety stores, major book stores, etc.)
• Ontario Regional Road Atlas, covers whole province, Map Art, $19.95

Major Roads:

Eastport Drive - parallels QEW and Burlington Bay (Skyway) Bridge on causeway across Hamilton Harbour / Burlington Bay.

Hwy. 2 - two-lane major road; runs from Quebec border along Lake Ontario shore through Toronto to Hamilton, then cuts inland through Ancaster to London and Windsor.

Hwy. 6 - two-lane major road; runs north-south from Lake Huron through Guelph, across Hwy. 401, to Hamilton (York Blvd., James St., Upper James St.) to Port Dover on Lake Erie.

Hwy. 8 - two-lane major road; runs west, roughly parallel to the Lake Ontario shore, from Niagara through Hamilton and Dundas, then turns north-west toward Cambridge.

Hwy. 401 - multilane expressway; starts at Windsor (opposite Detroit), crosses Ontario (through Toronto) to the Quebec border. See Hwy. 403 and Hwy. 6 for links to Hamilton area.

Hwy. 403 - multilane expressway; starts at Hwy 401 west of Toronto Airport, cuts south and ends at the QEW (Ford Plant) in Oakville. Follow the QEW from Toronto or Niagara Falls to Exit 100 in Burlington. Hwy. 403 restarts at this point, then proceeds west through Hamilton-Ancaster and Brantford to meet Hwy. 401 near Woodstock.

Jerseyville Road - Hwy. 403 west from Hamilton to exit at Hwy. 52, north to first intersection, then left (west) for hamlet of Jerseyville (Reg. Rd. 217) or right (east) for Ancaster (Reg. Rd. 23).

King St. - parallels Main St.; one way westbound from downtown Hamilton to Hwy. 403, then becomes two-way.

Lakeshore Rd. - runs along shore of Lake Ontario from approx. 1km northeast of QEW (at end of North shore Blvd.), through Burlington and Oakville into Mississauga and Toronto.

Lincoln Alexander Parkway (The Linc) - 4 lane expressway running along the top of the escarpment from Hwy. 403 at Mohawk Rd. east to Mud St. in Stoney Creek.

Main St. - one way eastbound from Hwy. 403 through downtown Hamilton; westbound from Hwy. 403 is two-way. Mohawk Rd. - major street running along the top of the escarpment from Hwy. 403 east to Mud St. in Stoney Creek. (More or less parallels The Linc on city side of the escarpment.) After a short westbound run from Hwy. 403 becomes Rousseaux St., leading into Ancaster.

North Shore Blvd. - On Hamilton Harbour side of QEW runs along Hamilton Harbour, past Burlington Golf Course and LaSalle Marina/Park, almost to Woodland Cemetery. On the Burlington side of the QEW runs along Lake Ontario for about 1km east of the QEW (Exit 97) and then becomes Lakeshore Rd.

Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) - multilane expressway; starts at west end of Toronto, parallels the west end of Lake Ontario through Mississaugua, Oakville and Burlington, then turns east across Burlington Bay/ Hamilton Harbour, through Stoney Creek to Niagara Falls and Fort Erie (opposite Buffalo). Connects to Hwy. 403 for Hamilton.

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