Fox Chapel Wetland
Allegheny
DESCRIPTION: This small wetland was left after the construction of the condos to facilitate the drainage of a stream that flows into the Allegheny River at the site. It has been very productive the past few years that birders have been checking the area. Forster's Tern, Solitary, Least, Semipalmated and Pectoral sandpipers have been found in spring and fall. Black-bellied Plover and Great Egret were have been observed in spring. A flock of 16 Willet spent a day here in May 2006. Waterfowl include Blue-winged and Green-winged teal, Long-tailed Duck, Wood Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, mergansers, etc. Osprey and Bald Eagle have been sighted during migration. It appears anything is possible and this area bears continued monitoring.

DIRECTIONS: From PA 28, take Exit 8 (Fox Chapel Road). If you are traveling north on PA 28, take the left fork of the exit to Fox Chapel Road (the exit will also list Freeport Road and Waterworks Drive on the sign). At the traffic light at the end of the ramp, turn right and proceed to the first traffic light. If you are traveling south on PA 28, take Exit 8 ( Fox Chapel Road) and at the traffic light at the end of the ramp, turn right and proceed to the second traffic light. Proceed straight through the intersection on to Old Freeport Road (you will cross over Freeport Road at the intersection, but there are not any signs identifying the road). The road will turn sharply to the left just after the intersection. Travel for 0.2 miles and turn right onto Chapel Harbor Drive. Drive a short distance to a T intersection. Turn left and proceed for 0.2 miles to Riverfront Drive. Turn right onto Riverfront Drive. Take the first right into the Dockside Condos. here is a sign for the rental office here also. Drive through the condo complex and take the third left. Drive through the parking area to a T and turn right and drive (the Allegheny River will be on your left) to the end of the road and park in one of the parking spaces. The wetland will be ahead of you. Return to the T Intersection of Chapel Harbor Drive. Continue straight past it (the back side of the wetland will be on your left). Continue along the road and there will be a large inlet of open water on the left. Waterfowl have been attracted to this sheltered area away from the currents and boat traffic of the river. Continue along this road where condos and townhouses are currently still under construction until you are parallel to the river. You may park along the road and walk or drive the length of this road to view the river and riparian vegetation for more birds. The road ends at a new apartment complex in 0.3 miles called Lighthouse Pointe.

 

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Posted: 2009-10-24 00:00:00
Updated: