My fave in Ottawa is Britannia Woods, a sort-of Thickson's Woods like area and the best birding spot is right there on the road itself.
Andrew Hayden Park aka Ottawa Beach is good for shorebirds.
Shirley's Bay has a bit of everything, but it's not easy to navigate, and you _do_ have to call ahead to the firing range to get permission (yes, you are walking out into a live firing range of the DND). It's a large area, and you really need someone to guide you for the first time.
That's pretty the best for this time of the year.
There's a lot more as you get just a bit further out of the city. How mobile is your dad?
