Early Spring Migrants: Tommy Thompson Park
Saturday April 18, 2026, 7:30 am to 12:00pm
Leaders: John Carley, Garth Riley and Nancy McPherson
Registration: This is a members only event. Registration is required. We have limited spaces, please cancel your registration if you can't make it to open a space for the waiting list.
Description: During this field trip, we’ll watch for spring migrants, including warblers and other songbirds and more. This is a 4.5 hour walk for approximately 6km with rest stops as needed. We will be on flat terrain (no hills) but frequently with uneven footing, and high likelihood of flooding on the paths in the Wet Woods. Other trails are paved, or are gravel. The field trip will loop back and end at the meeting place.
Who should come: We encourage newer birders and first-timers to come along, all skill levels are welcome!
Target species: spring migrants, including warblers, other songbirds and more.
eBird: Tommy Thompson Park
Park address: 1 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2.
Meeting place: Tommy Thompson Park Pavilion at the main parking lot at the intersection of Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue.
Public transit directions: Tommy Thompson Park is a 10 minute walk from the Commissioner’s Street bus stop at Commissioner’s and Leslie. This stop is serviced by the 83 Jones Southbound bus. Route 83 runs between Donlands Station on Subway Line 2 and Commissioner’s Street. Connections with Streetcar routes 501, 503 and 506, and bus routes 56 and 31B along the scheduled route.
Driving directions: The park entrance is located at Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue.
Parking: There is a free parking lot at the Tommy Thompson Park entrance. Street parking is also available on Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue. There are no accessible parking spaces.
Approximate distance covered on foot: 6 km.
Accessibility and Amenities: Wheelchair accessible indoor bathrooms and a water fountain is located at the Pavilion at the main parking lot. Porta potties are located along the route. Bring water and snacks/light lunch if desired, and we will have rest stops as needed.
What to wear: Wear sturdy waterproof footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season, and terrain. Layers are recommended winds off the lake can be colder than expected. 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. Please bring your choice of binoculars, scope, and or camera.
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.
