Toronto Ornithological Club upcoming events

Fall Birds at Woodbine Park and Ashbridges Bay (17 Oct 2026)

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

FALL BIRDS AT WOODBINE PARK & ASHBRIDGES BAY.

Saturday, October 17, 2026

9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Leaders: Rose Petrich, Jack Alvo

Registration is required, space is limited. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration to make room for the waiting list.

Description: Join us for a ramble in search of fall migrants. Meet at NE corner of Lakeshore Rd. and Embdaabiimok Ave., previously Lower Coxwell Ave. We'll explore Woodbine Park and then continue to Ashbridges Bay. Beginners and new birders are welcome.

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: Woodbine Park is on the north side of Lakeshore, and Ashbridges Bay Park is located directly south of Coxwell Ave. and Lakeshore Blvd.

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: There are parking lots on the south side of Lakeshore. Free parking should be available on Coxwell Ave.

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

Please note that Coxwell Ave. is now Embdaabiimok Ave. south of Queen St.

Approximate Distance: Two to three kilometers.

Terrain: The terrain is mostly flat, with some mild slopes, so it may be suitable for people with moderate mobility challenges.

Trail Surfaces: Paved trails, grass.

Trip day contact: Jack Alvo, 647-330-1892

TOC Outings: 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.

Land Acknowledgement for Toronto: The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) includes the traditional territories of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that this area of Toronto has been included under the Williams Treaty, the Toronto Purchase - Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum inter-nation peace agreement.

We are stating a land acknowledgement to recognize the communities of peoples that were present and inhabited the lands before us, and the traditional territories of the peoples whose lands we are fortunate to share and live on today. Also, in effort to continue to improve our ongoing inter-relations with members of First Nations and Indigenous communities, we are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile with all our relations. Together, may we care for this land and each other, drawing on the strengths of our mutual nation building through peace and friendship being mindful of generations to come.

Colonel Samuel Smith Park - Public walk (18 Oct 2026)

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Colonel Samuel Smith Park - Public Walk

Date: Sunday, October 18

Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Leader: Peter Sproule

Description: Please join us for a leisurely walk around Colonel Sam Smith Park. We'll be looking at fall migrants, waterfowl and resident birds.

Who should come: This outing will be geared to newer and intermediate birders, but birders of all experience levels are welcome. The more eyes the better! Newer birders will learn identification tips.

Registration is required - spaces are limited. Please cancel your registration if you can't make it, to allow for waitlist registrations.

Facilities: Public washrooms are available at the Powerhouse parking lot (as of this writing).

Accessibility: The route will be mostly on established gravel and paved paths, but wet weather leading up to the day could cause some of the trails/areas to be a little muddy. The route can be adjusted to avoid the muddy areas. Depending on the size of the group, we may cover 3 to 5km

What to bring: Binoculars and/or camera, water, snack if desired, hiking shoes in case of recent wet weather.

Where and when to meet: Meet at 9 a.m. at the south parking lot at the end of the road. No parking fees on the weekend.

How to get there:

TTC: From Kipling subway station, take the 44 Kipling South into the park – the Powerhouse lot is a short walk to the south from the bus loop.

Driving and parking: The park is on Col Sam Smith Drive (basically Kipling Ave south of Lake Shore Blvd – There are two parking lots, one at the Powerhouse (look for the tall chimney.) The other, is at the south end of the road. No parking fee on weekends.

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

Contact: Peter Sproule: 416-807-0047

TOC Outings

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.

Land Acknowledgement for Toronto: The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) includes the traditional territories of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that this area of Toronto has been included under the Williams Treaty, the Toronto Purchase - Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum inter-nation peace agreement.

We are stating a land acknowledgement to recognize the communities of peoples that were present and inhabited the lands before us, and the traditional territories of the peoples whose lands we are fortunate to share and live on today. Also, in effort to continue to improve our ongoing inter-relations with members of First Nations and Indigenous communities, we are mindful of broken covenants and the need to reconcile with all our relations. Together, may we care for this land and each other, drawing on the strengths of our mutual nation building through peace and friendship being mindful of generations to come.

Photography Outing at Humber Bay Park East - Members Event (25 Oct 2026)

Sun, 25 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Photography Outing at Humber Bay Park East - Members Event

Date: October 25, 2026

Time: 9 am - 12 noon

Leader: Peter Sproule

Please join us for a leisurely walk around Humber Bay Park East - with a twist. This walk will be geared towards the photography of birds that might be seen on this day, and the walk will be tracked towards the time needed to adequately record, rather than to see the maximum number of species. We'll be looking for fall migrants, waterfowl and resident birds at a slower pace than regular walks sponsored by the TOC.

This will not be a photography instruction event, but some basic tips for bird photography will be discussed.

Registration is required for this members only outing. Space is limited, please be sure to cancel your registration if you can't make it.

What to bring: Dress for the weather, layers recommended. Bring water, snacks, binoculars, and cameras of course, as well as extra batteries and a case or cover if it rains.

How to get there:

Driving: Humber Bay Park East is near the intersection of Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Blvd West. Head south on Marine Park Drive (Park Lawn Road changes to Marine Park Drive south of Lake Shore), then turn onto Humber Bay Park Rd E. Proceed along road to parking area.

Where to meet: Meet at the area near the circular part of the exit road.

TTC: Four routes serve this area

Long Branch 507 streetcar - Park Lawn Rd/Lake Shore Blvd W.
Queen 301 streetcar - Park Lawn Road at Lake Shore Blvd West.
Route 66 from Old Mill Station. Marine Parade Drive loop at Lake Shore Blvd West
Route 80 Westbound - Marine Parade Drive loop at Lake Shore Blvd West

TOC Outings: 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.