Toronto Ornithological Club upcoming events

Fall Migrants at James Gardens and Lambton Woods (26 Sep 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Fall migrants at James Gardens and Lambton Woods

September 26, 2026

8:00am to 12:00pm.

Leader: Cesar Ponce.

Registration: Registration is required. There is a maximum of 15 participants. Please be sure to cancel online if you are unable to attend, to open the waiting list.

Description: In this walking field trip we look and listen for birds at James Gardens and Lambton Woods. The field trip will circle back to the meeting spot. People with all birding skill levels are welcome on this outing.

Target species: Migrant passerines, waterfowl, possibly raptors.

eBird: James Gardens, Lambton Woods

Park address: James Gardens, 99 Edenbridge Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9A 3G4

Meeting place: Meet in the parking lot of James Gardens.

Public transit directions: The park is a 9 minute (720m) walk from the TTC bus stop at Royal York Rd at Romney Rd. This stop is serviced by the TTC 73 Royal York buses from Royal York subway Station. Other transit connections and bike trails are available.

Driving directions and parking: The park entrance is located on Edenbridge Drive, northeast of Dundas St W and Royal York Drive. Parking is available and there are accessible parking spaces.

Distance covered on foot: Approximately 3 km.

Trail description: The trails are mostly flat with gentle slopes. Trail surfaces are pavement, grass, and dirt trails with exposed tree roots.

Accessibility and amenities: Indoor washrooms are located near the parking lot.

What to wear: Wear sturdy waterproof footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season, and terrain. Long pants and closed shoes or boots are recommended as protection from the elements, ticks, and other biting insects. In bright light, a hat with a large brim will make it easier to see birds.

What to bring: Please bring enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks or a packed lunch. Binoculars are necessary. Scope and/or camera are optional.

Contact for day of trip: Cesar Ponce, 647-864-5461

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.

Accessible Birding at Downsview Park (26 Sep 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Accessible Birding at Downsview Park

When: Saturday, September 26

1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Location: Downsview Park

Leaders: Jack Alvo, John Nishikawa, Downsview Park staff

We are pleased to be presenting another Accessible Birding event in partnership with the OFO and Downsview Park.

Discover the joy of fall birding at a relaxed pace. This free, accessible outing welcomes people of all abilities and is designed to specifically support a range of mobility needs.

Enjoy mobility-friendly trails, opportunities to spot migrating raptors and songbirds, frequent rest stops, and a friendly atmosphere for participants and their companions, family members, or support persons.

Presented in partnership with the Ontario Field Ornithologists, Toronto Ornithological Club, and Downsview Park.

Please go to the Downsview Park link for more information and to register.

https://downsviewpark.ca/events/accessible-birding-0

Colonel Samuel Smith Park early fall outing - Public walk (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Colonel Samuel Smith Park early fall outing - Public Walk

Date: Sunday, September 27

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 - pbsproule (at) rogers.com

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.

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.