Toronto Ornithological Club upcoming events

Spring Migration at the University of Toronto (05 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Spring Migration at the University of Toronto

Tuesday, May 5

9 am to 11 am

Description: The St. George campus of the University of Toronto is a wonderful place to bird in the spring! There are many small and larger green spaces tucked away behind buildings and around the colleges. Despite being in the heart of the city, these areas are rich with bird life during migration.

The TOC, in collaboration with BirdSafe U of T will be leading a walk through the U of T campus, around Queen’s Park and along Philosopher’s Walk.

As walk, we'll be viewing buildings on campus that have been found to be hazards to migratory birds because of reflective glass and other design features.. We’ll learn which buildings have been treated with bird-friendly markers, and which are still a threat.

Carly Davenport of BirdSafe UofT and FLAP, and Bird Friendly Toronto will be sharing information and answering questions.

Leaders: Carly Davenport, Monika Croydon

Location: Meet at the north east corner of Queen’s Park Blvd, between Northrop Frye Building and E. J. Pratt Library

Route: On our walk, we will visit various areas on the UofT campus, as well as Queen’s Park and Philosopher’s walk. We will end near the St. George subway station.

Distance: The route covers roughly 5 km.

Time: 9 – 11 am. Longer if the birding is good!

Accessibility: Mainly paved sidewalks and paths.

What to bring: Water, snacks, binoculars

This is a public outing. Registration is required, we will have a maximum of 15 attendees. Please cancel your registration if you can’t come to allow wait-listed people to attend.

Contact: Monika Croydon, 647-928-7367

Mother's Day Birding Walk - Public (10 May 2026)

Sun, 10 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Mother's Day Birding Walk at Colonel Sam Smith Park

Date and time: Sunday, May 10, 8 am to 1 pm

Leaders: Peter Sproule, Monika Croydon

Description: Who needs a Mother's Day breakfast in bed when you can get up early to see birds?

Please join us for a leisurely walk around Colonel Sam Smith Park. We say goodbye to some of our winter ducks, but welcome the spring migrants and nesting waterfowl (Red-necked Grebes). Mother's Day is usually a peak migration weekend, when we can view several warbler species, some thrushes and sparrows, and various other potential surprises (not guaranteed!). Early shorebirds are also a possibility!

This outing is suitable for beginning and more advanced birders.

Come out for the walk, and bring your mom for the potential warblerfest on Mother's Day.

(ps Moms are optional, but don't tell them we said so!!)

This is a public event. Registration is required. Please cancel online if you can't make it to open a spot for the waiting list.

When and where to meet: Meet at 8:00 am at the main parking lot at the "Power House" (the building with the tall chimney)

What to bring: Binoculars, camera if you have one, snacks and water. Dress for the conditions - one area can be muddy after rain.

Accessibililty: The route will be mostly on established gravel and paved paths. Depending on the size of the group, we may cover 3 to 5 km

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

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: Parking lot is on Col Sam Smith Drive (basically Kipling Ave south of Lake Shore Blvd – look for the tall chimney). No parking fee on weekends at this lot.

Weekday Bird Hike at Tommy Thompson Park (01 Jun 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:30:00 GMT

WEEKDAY BIRD HIKE AT LESLIE SPIT/TOMMY THOMPSON PARK - PUBLIC

Date and time: Monday, June 1, 8:30 - 11:30 am

Optional extension till 1:30 pm

Leaders: Jack Alvo, Connor Smith and Lynne Freeman

Note: Public and TOC members are welcome!

Registration: Registration is required. Space is limited. If you can't attend, please cancel your registration online.

Description: Please join us to enjoy a leisurely walk through Leslie Spit/Tommy Thomson Park. Meet at 8:30 at the main parking lot at the foot of Leslie Street.

Target birds will be late Warblers, Thrushes, Sparrows and other migratory songbirds. Emphasis on bird calls and nesting birds. Possibly shorebirds.

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: The main parking lot for Leslie Spit/Tommy Thompson Park is located at the foot of Leslie Street (intersection with Unwin). We’ll meet by the visitors pavilion.

Parking: Parking is free

Public Transportation: From Donlands Station, take the Jones #83 bus to Leslie and Commissioner Streets and walk 500 meters south to main parking lot.

Distance: Approximately 4-5 kilometers round trip. Plus 2.5 kilometers for optional extension.

Accessibility: Terrain is mostly level, with some mild slopes. Mix of paved and gravel trails. .

Facilities: Washrooms and water fountain (for bottles only) at entrance. Only porta potties after that.

Contact: Jack Alvo - 647-330-1892 or alvo@sympatico.ca