Early Spring Migrants: Colonel Samuel Smith Park 

Date and time:  Saturday, April 11, 2026, 8:00 am to 10:30 am

Leader: Brian Bailey

Description: On this outing, we will be looking for early spring migrants on water and on land. On the lake, we can expect to see good numbers of Red-necked and Horned Grebes, along with a variety of other waterfowl. On land, we should find kinglets, sapsuckers, a variety of sparrows, and other early migrants. 

What to wear and bring: There can be a significant temperature difference between the waterfront and the north end of the park, particularly if it is windy. We will visit the parking area between the lake viewing and the inland portions of the walk for anyone wanting to pick up or drop off extra gear or clothing.

Bring water, snacks, binoculars

Accessibility: The terrain is mostly flat gravel, dirt, and grass. Ongoing shoreline rehabilitation means that some mud is also likely.

Approximate distance covered on foot: 4 km.

Meeting Place: Meet at the south parking lot (where Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive ends).

Public Transit Directions: The 44 Kipling South bus runs from the Kipling subway station to Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School on Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive. It is a 5-minute walk from the bus loop down to the south parking lot. From the 507 501 streetcar, exit at Kipling Ave and either transfer to the 44 bus or walk 10 minutes south to the south parking lot.

Driving Directions: From the intersection of Kipling Avenue and Lake Shore Blvd W, take Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive to the end. The parking lot is on the left where the road ends.

Parking: Free parking is available in both lots.

Washrooms: There are public washrooms at the Powerhouse (beside the north parking lot). They are not wheelchair accessible.

Contact number 647-761-2711

Lower Don Parklands Early Migrants and Waterfowl

Date and time: Sunday, April 26, 8 am - 12 pm

Leader: Kevin Seymour

Description: Join us on an outing through the Lower Don Parklands in East York to look for early migrants including Eastern Phoebe, Kinglets, Hermit Thrush and possibly a few early warblers. The route will include the Cottonwood Flats, the Sun Valley Loop and part of Crother's Woods. If there is time we can visit Crother's Pond which is pretty reliable in that season for Wood Ducks. 

Accessibililty:  The majority of the paths are wide, flat and easy, and maintained by the city. The Sun Valley loop has gravel and two steep sections, only one of them paved. Access to the location, if walking, includes quite a steep walk down and then up Bechwood Drive to exit.

What to bring: Water, snacks, footwear for possible muddy paths, binoculars

Directions:

By car, park at the bottom of Beechwood Dr., just beyond the Police Dog Services compound.

By TTC, take any 100, 25 or 8 bus northbound from Broadview station, get off at the Beechwood exit (the one before the Pape exit), then walk down Beechwood Ave and meet the group just beyond the Police Dog Services Compound.

Please note: Registration is required for all walks. Space is limited, please cancel your registration if you are unable to attend.

Weekday Bird Hike at Ashbridges Bay - Public

Wednesday, April 29, 8:00 - 11:00 am

Leaders: Rose Petrich and Connor Smith

Note: Public and TOC members are welcome! 

Description: Please join us to enjoy a leisurely walk through Ashbridges Bay Park. Meet at 8:00 at the main parking lot directly south of Coxwell Avenue. See map below.

Target birds will be Warblers, Thrushes, Sparrows and other migratory songbirds. 

Who should come: Birders of all experience levels are welcome. The more eyes the better!  

What to bring: Please bring binoculars and/or camera if you have them. Remember to dress appropriately for the conditions. Water and snack suggested.

Location and Directions: Ashbridges Bay Park is located directly south of Coxwell Ave. and Lakeshore Blvd. We’ll meet near porta potty immediately south of the main parking lot which is marked as “car park 194” on map:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/Ashbridges+Bay+Park+parking+lot,+Toronto,+O%20%20N/@43.6604512,-79.3151449,17z/data=!3m1!4b1?authuser=0&%3Bentry=ttu

Parking: Parking is free before 5 pm on weekdays

Public Transportation: - 3 options
From Woodbine Station, take the Woodbine South #92 bus, get off at Woodbine Beach Loop at Lakeshore, and walk about 10 minutes to main parking lot south of Coxwell. See map.
Alternatively, take the 505 Dundas Street Car east to Coxwell Ave. and Queen St. East and walk 1.3 kms. south on Coxwell to the main parking lot south of Coxwell. See map.
Or, take 501 Queen Street Car to Coxwell ave. and Queen St. East, and walk 1.3 kms. south on Coxwell to the main parking lot south of Coxwell. See map.

 Distance: Approximately four kilometers round trip.

Accessibility: Terrain is mostly level, with some mild slopes. Paved trails, grass. 

Facilities: Porta potty next to main parking lot. Washrooms are available after 9 am

Contact: Rose Petrich - 647-285-4303

TOC Field Trips

TOC aims to provide birding outings which are welcoming and enjoyable for all. If you have any questions about the event, or require accommodations, please contact the trip leader in advance, by emailing outings@torontobirding.ca. Please allow a few days for a response.