Birding hike at Rosetta McClain Gardens, Toronto - Public
Saturday, October 4
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Led by Jack Alvo, Rose Petrich, Connor Smith
Please join us to enjoy the lovely nature and birding at Rosetta McClain Gardens.
We will meet at 9 am 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 calls (quite different from spring breeding song), look for Autumn migrants like woodpeckers, wrens, sparrows, kinglets, thrushes, later warblers and adult/immature birds still on territory. There is a possibility of spying lingering 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 and possibly migrating ducks returning from their breeding grounds to Lake Ontario for a stopover or to stay for the winter.
If weather conditions are right (relatively good NW winds and no precipitation in the area) we may be treated to flyovers of flocks of songbirds, especially blue jays, and blackbirds, and migrating raptors.
This will be a slow-paced ramble that will allow participants with varying degrees of mobility to savour these beautiful gardens. The trip leader will help identify bird calls 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 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:
Preferable route: From Victoria Park subway station: The #12B bus (east) will take approximately 15 minutes and let you off 160 meters from the entrance to the gardens.
Alternate Route: From Warden subway station: The 69 bus (south) will take approximately 10 minutes and let you off at Variety Village 450 meters from the entrance. Walk south from Variety Village. Note this walk is downhill.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours including rest stops.
Approximate Distance: One-and-a-half (1.5) kilometers. Optional walk depending on conditions and interest to visit the nearby community gardens for possible sparrows, late warblers or thrushes.
Terrain: Mostly level. Planted flower gardens, open spaces, and tall trees for shade.
Trail Surfaces: Paved trails. Please note, part of this trail is on interlocking bricks, which may be bumpy for people using a wheeled mobility device.
Accessibility: Suitable for people using mobility aids.
Facilities: Bathrooms: Accessible (AODA-compliant) washrooms are available near the parking lot. Also available are a drinking fountain and gazebos.
Number of attendees: Limited to 20 people. Participants may also bring one additional person for support or a guest.
Registration is required. Please make sure to cancel your reservation online if you can't attend. There will be a waitlist.
Additional information: This is a dog-free park (service animals are permitted)
Land Acknowledgement: The land in Toronto (Tkaronto) in what we now know as Canada, from where we are meeting, 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 Toronto and this area of Toronto have 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 doing a land acknowledgement today 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, live on and present from today. Also, in effort to continue to improve our ongoing inter-relations with members of First Nations and Indigenous communities today. 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.
Contact: Rosanne Petrich
Lrosiep@yahoo.ca
