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• Urban Birding: a TOC/TFN Event - June 10th - PUBLIC

  • When
    10 Jun 2023
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    4801 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T3

  Register

  Cavity Nesting Native Birds, City Nest Boxes. Plants & shrubs that attract birds. - TFO/TFN Joint Event
  

  Saturday, Jun 10th at 10:00 am 

  Leaders: Robert Bean and Kayoko Smith.

  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 3.4-kilometer linear walk on mostly paved surfaces with gentle slopes. Starting at G. Ross Lord Park, ending near at Steeles & Dufferin for TTC or circular 3.6 Km back to starting point parking lot. We will be checking for Native Bird in Nest Boxes with a special long snake camera. The walk will also cover nest box types and placement, and plants & shrubs that attract birds. People with all birding skill levels are welcome on this field trip.

  Target species: Cavity nesters, Native birds, Plants.

  eBird: G. Ross Lord Park   

  Park address: 4801 Dufferin St, North York, ON M3H 5T3

  Meeting place: Meet at G. Ross Lord Parking lot at Dufferin Street & Martin Ross Ave (500-meter north of Finch Ave west)

  Public transit directions: A few options - 105 bus from Sheppard West, 60 bus from Finch, or 960 bus from York University station.

  Driving directions: Nearest intersection is Dufferin & Steeles

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

  Approximate distance covered on foot: 3.4 km.

  Amenities and health breaks: There are public bathrooms in the park.

  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. Insect repellent recommended. 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.

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• Disability Pride Month walk at Colonel Sam Smith Park - July 8 - TOC/OFO

  • When
    08 Jul 2023
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6
  • Spaces left
    15

  Register

  Disability Pride Month walk at Colonel Sam Smith Park - TOC/OFO Joint Event

  Disability Pride Month walk at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Toronto

  Saturday, July 8, 2023

  Leaders: Nancy Barrett, Adam Solomon.

  Trip Description: Please join us to explore the birds and biodiversity on display in the various habitats at Colonel Samuel Smith Park on the Etobicoke lakeshore. This outing celebrates Disability Pride Month and is part of OFO’s commitment to providing guided birding opportunities that are inclusive of persons of all abilities. We will meet at 9:00 at the south parking lot at the end of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive. We will listen for bird song, look for nests, and should see adult songbirds feeding their young. The nesting Red-necked Grebes will be a highlight, along with the hungry fledglings of 5 species of swallows. This will be a slow-paced ramble that will allow participants with varying degrees of mobility to soak in the surroundings. The trip leaders will help identify bird calls and songs and are well acquainted with many great resting spots (benches, flat rocks) so we can all stop, listen and learn.

  Who should come: This is a joint event sponsored by OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC) [to be confirmed], so all are welcome. You do NOT need to be a member of OFO or TOC. This event is appropriate for birders of all experience levels and nature lovers with all levels of mobility. Newer birders will learn identification tips and experienced birders will enjoy learning about bird behaviour.

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

  Location and Directions: Colonel Samuel Smith Park is located at the bottom of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive south of the intersection of Kipling Avenue and Lakeshore Blvd. (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Colonel+Samuel+Smith+Park/@43.591398,- 79.5133857,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x882b49b5047aca2f:0x11bdf5c1d684a0e5!8m2!3d 43.591398!4d-79.5133857!16s%2Fm%2F05p704d ).Parking is free.

  Public Transportation: The Kipling 44 and 944 South bus from Kipling Station on Line1 ends at the bus loop in front of Father John Redmond Secondary School. Walk southeast about 400 m along Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive which terminates at the south parking lot and "traffic circle". The Park is also accessible from the TTC 501 streetcar/bus stop located at Lake Shore Boulevard West at Kipling Avenue.

  Duration: 3 hours including rest stops.

  Approximate Distance: 2 – 4 km.

  Accessibility and Amenities: Flat terrain, along groomed gravel with some dirt paths. There are benches and flat-topped rocks throughout the park, as well as a large picnic shelter. Mostly suitable for people using mobility aids. Please note that there are no washrooms inside the park. There is a porta-potty (non- wheelchair accessible) located at the parking lot in front of the Power House (with the tall brick chimney).

  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.

  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.

  
  

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• Disability Pride Month walk at Rosetta McClain Gardens - July 15 - TOC/OFO

  • When
    15 Jul 2023
  •  
    9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    5 Glen Everest Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 1J2
  • Spaces left
    18

  Register

  Disability Pride Month walk at Rosetta McClain Gardens - TOC/OFO Joint Event

  Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 9:00 am - 11 am or 12 pm

  Leaders: Jack Alvo and John Nishikawa

  Description: Please join us to enjoy the lovely nature at Rosetta McClain Gardens. This outing celebrates Disability Pride Month and is part of OFO’s commitment to providing guided birding opportunities that are inclusive of persons of all abilities. We will meet at 9:00 by the parking lot at Rosetta McClain Gardens. The City of Toronto describes Rosetta McClain as a “fully-accessible garden park that features special braille signage, raised planters, rose gardens and a rock fountain surrounded by a pergola. It is a haven for flower connoisseurs and bird and butterfly watchers.” We will listen for bird song, look for songbird nests and adult songbirds feeding their young. There is a high likelihood of spying hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and dragonflies enjoying the planters and gardens in full bloom, while we make our way through the park at a leisurely pace. Occasionally a fox is seen darting through the grounds! We may hear the waves and gulls over Lake Ontario.

  This will be a slow-paced ramble that will allow participants with varying degrees of mobility to savour these beautiful gardens. The trip leaders will help identify bird calls and songs and there are many benches so we can all stop, listen and enjoy.

  Type of trip: Birding basics, behavior, and vocalizations. Insects and flora. Sun and shade.

  Who should come: This is a joint event sponsored by OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC], so all are welcome. You do NOT need to be a member of OFO or TOC. This event is appropriate for birders of all experience levels and nature lovers with all levels of mobility. Newer birders will learn identification tips and experienced birders will enjoy learning about bird behaviour.

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

  Location and Directions: Rosetta McClain Gardens are located on Glen Everest Road in Scarborough, just east of the intersection of Kingston Road and Birchmount Road. (https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.6980072,-79.2584461,15z?hl=en&authuser=0). It has a parking lot where you can park for free and which includes a number of handicapped parking spots.

  Public Transportation: From Victoria Park subway station: The #12C bus (east) will take approximately 15 minutes and let you off 160 meters from the entrance to the gardens.

  From Warden subway station: The 69A bus (south) will take approximately 10 minutes and let you off 800 meters from the entrance.

  Duration: 2 to 3 hours including rest stops.

  Approximate Distance: 1.5 kilometers.

  Terrain: Mostly level. Planted flower gardens, open spaces, and tall trees for shade.There are paved trails and Inter-locking bricks in some sections.

  Accessibility: Suitable for people using mobility aids.

  Facilities: Washrooms (wheel-chair accessible), drinking fountain and gazebos.

  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.

  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.

  
  

  Show details