Toronto Ornithological Club - Membership

Public and TOC Members-Only Events

Upcoming public events can be viewed on this page. If the event is Members Only, Members must "log in" above to see the details. Registration is optional, unless otherwise noted. 


Upcoming events

    • 03 May 2024
    • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 2 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6
    Register

    A Casual Ramble - Colonel Samuel Smith Park
    Friday, May 3, 10:00am to 1:00pm.

    Leaders:  David Creelman, Martha Scott, Monika Croydon

    Registration: RSVP is NOT required. There is no maximum number of attendees for this event. If you wish to RSVP, you will receive a copy of the event details and a reminder email.

    DescriptionThis will be a casual ramble around one of Toronto's best and most accessible parks for spring migrants. Suitable for all birders. We will circle back to the starting point.

    Target species: Spring migrants 

    eBird Toronto--Colonel Samuel Smith Park: Colonel Sam Smith Park 

    Park address:  3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6

    Meeting place: Colonel Samuel Smith Park, at the southernmost parking lot, at the bottom of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive. what3words location:  https://what3words.com/january.cost.wiped

    Public transit directions: The Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive bus stop (southernmost terminal stop) is serviced by the TTC buses 44 Kipling and 944 Kipling express from Kipling station on the line 2 subway. Walk 400 m south from this stop to the meeting place. The Park is also accessible from the TTC 501 streetcar/bus stop located at Lake Shore Boulevard West at Kipling Avenue. Walk 10 minutes south (850 m) to the meeting place or transfer to the bus to shorten the walk.

    Driving directions: The park entrance is located at the intersection at Lake Shore Boulevard West and Kipling Avenue. South of Lake Shore, Kipling Avenue becomes Colonel Sam Samuel Smith Park Drive. Drive south!

    Parking: Parking at the southernmost parking lot is free for two hours, and is paid after, using the machines. Additional paid parking is available in the north parking lot of the Park and on Humber College campus. Two accessible parking spaces are available in the southernmost parking lot.

    Approximate distance covered on foot: 2 to 4 km.

    Trail surface: This ramble will take gravel and dirt paths, grass (may be soggy if recent rain, in some places) and some easy trails through the woods. 

    Gradient: Mostly flat, gentle slopes. Optional trickier bits if there are interesting birds. 

    Amenities and health breaks: Informal breaks as required. Benches are available throughout the park. There are some washrooms in college buildings, community centre, and a portapotty in the rink/power plant area. 

    What to wear: Wear sturdy waterproof footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season, and terrain. Layers are recommended as 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: Bring enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks, or a packed lunch. Binoculars strongly recommended, a camera if desired.

    COVID-19 Guidelines

    Leaders and participants must comply with local Public Health guidelines at the time of the event. Leaders and participants are encouraged to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, maintain physical distance and wear masks, as needed.

    Anyone experiencing any possible symptoms, who has met someone with COVID-19 or who is being tested for COVID-19, must stay home. Please use the Government of Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ to find out if you are at risk.

    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.


    • 13 May 2024
    • 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM
    • High Park

    The Peak of Migration: Early mornings in High Park, May 13-17

    Mark Peck will be leading casual, relaxing early morning bird walks around High Park  from 6:00 - 7:30, each morning from May 13 to 17.  Enjoy hearing and seeing some of the migrant birds that pass through the park every spring.

    Please meet at the High Park Nature Centre at 5:55 if you would like to join us. Binoculars will be available from the Nature Centre if needed.

    No registration is required.

    The Nature Centre is just south of the Bloor and High Park entrance to the park, on the east side. If you are driving, be aware of the new driving and parking restrictions in the park. If you are taking the TTC, the closest stop is High Park.

    • 17 May 2024
    • 5:30 PM
    • High Park

    Early evening in High Park, May 17

    Date and time: May 17, 5:30 pm

    Leaders: Sean Fraser, Donald Taylor

    Join us on an early evening walk in High Park, to see migrant and local birds, and visit the Purple Martin houses. This walk will be a casual loop of the park, starting at the main Bloor Street and High Park Avenue entrance. Meet at 5:15, walk will end at dusk.

    Bring binoculars if you have them. No registration required.

    If you are driving, be aware of the new driving and parking restrictions in the park. If you are taking the TTC, the closest stop is High Park. The route is easy walking, with paved paths for the most part, and one hill that descends to the pond from the upper park.



    • 20 May 2024
    • 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Earl Bales Park, 4169 Bathurst Street, North York, ON M3H 3P7
    Register

    Migrant Spring and Resident Birds: Earl Bales Park. 

    Monday May 20, 7:30am to 11:30am.  

    Leaders: Leslie Kinrys and Joanne Brathwaite

    Registration: RSVP is NOT required. There is no maximum number of attendees for this event. If you wish to RSVP, you will receive a copy of the event details and a reminder email.

    Description: This is a walking trip of approximately 3km. There is an initial steep descent on the paved path (no handrails) and then the rest of the terrain is flat. The main trail surface is paved, with some side trails that are gravel or uneven with tree roots underfoot. People with all birding skill levels are welcome on this field trip.

    Target species: Resident and migrant songbirds, waterbirds and waders.

    eBird: Earl Bales Park   

    Park address: 4169 Bathurst Street, North York, ON M3H 3P7

    Meeting place: Meet at the Earl Bales Community Centre parking lot, 4169 Bathurst Street (at Sheppard), North York.

    Public transit directions: Earl Bales Park is a 7 minute (600m) walk from the ‘Bathurst St at McAllister Rd North Side’ stop. This stop is serviced by the TTC Bathurst 7 bus to Steeles from Bathurst Station on Subway line 2. Other transit connections are available.

    Driving directions: The park entrance is located southeast of the intersection of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West. Enter through Raoul Wallenberg Road.

    Parking: There is free parking available in the park. There are accessible parking spaces.

    Approximate distance covered on foot: 3 km.

    Amenities and health breaks: Indoor bathrooms open at 9am and are located by the parking lot and one bathroom at the midway point. Accessible bathroom stalls are available. There will be a health break at the midway point.

    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 a mask, snacks and enough water for the duration of the trip. Binoculars are necessary.  Scope and/or camera are optional.

    COVID-19 Guidelines     

    Leaders and participants must comply with local Public Health guidelines at the time of the event. Anyone experiencing any possible symptoms, who has met someone with COVID-19 or who is being tested for COVID-19, must stay home. Please use the Government of Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ to find out if you are at risk.

    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.

    • 25 May 2024
    • 6:00 PM
    • High Park

    Early evening walk in High Park, May 25

    Date and time: May 25, 6:00 pm to dusk

    Leader: Sean Fraser

    The walk will begin at the main entrance to the park at Bloor and High Park Avenue. Please meet there at 5:45.

    We will walk on established dirt paths through the Oak Savannah and around the Nature Centre, and then over to Hawk Hill, behind the Grenadier Restaurant by 8 pm. We will hopefully see and hear some Common Nighthawks as they fly over the hill.

    Bring binoculars if you have them.

    No registration required.

    If you are driving, be aware of the new driving and parking restrictions in the park. If you are taking the TTC, the closest stop is High Park. The route is easy walking, with paved paths for the most part, dirt paths in the Savannah, and a short walk up to the top of Hawk Hill.



COVID-19 Guidelines

Leaders and participants must comply with local Public Health guidelines at the time of the event. Anyone experiencing any possible symptoms, who has met someone with COVID-19 or who is being tested for COVID-19, must stay home. Please use the Government of Ontario COVID-19 self-assessment https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/ to find out if you are at risk.

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.

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