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Upcoming Outings

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.

    • 22 Jun 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Tommy Thompson Park/Leslie St. Spit


    Sunday, June 22

    Leaders: May Matchim (they/she), John Nishikawa (he/him)

    Trip Details: Meet 9:00 a.m. at the front gate of Tommy Thompson Park (a.k.a. the Leslie Street Spit). We are returning with another exciting Pride Month collaboration between OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC). On the Pride Birding Walk, we will search for the breeding birds of the park with a full morning of walking. The walk runs until 12:00 p.m., with an optional afternoon extension to 2:00.

    Who Should Come? While this walk is a celebration of the LGBTQ2S+ community, all are welcome. You do not need to be a member of OFO or TOC. Creating a respectful, welcoming and accessible environment is our first priority. We encourage newer birders and first-timers to come along; all skill levels are welcome.

    Registration: Please go to the OFO events page to register. Registration is limited to 30 participants.

    Type of Trip: Walking roads and trails to find the breeding birds of Tommy Thompson Park.

    Location and Directions: Tommy Thompson Park (43°39'08.2"N 79°19'22.5"W) is located at the south end of Leslie Street in east end Toronto. With access from Unwin Avenue just west of Leslie Street, the park's parking lot at the entrance is free. There is also free parking along the Unwin Avenue roadside.

    Public Transportation: The TTC's southbond #83 Jones bus will take you to the intersection of Commissioners Street and Leslie Street, which is a 500-metre walk from the park entrance. The #83 bus leaves from the Donlands subway station on the Danforth Line.

    Duration: 9:00 a.m.— 12:00 p.m., with optional extension to 2:00 p.m. Rest stops, if needed.

    Approximate distance: Six kilometres of walking, depending on the birding conditions.

    Terrain: Forest patches, brush, open lands, constructed ponds and the edges of Lake Ontario.

    Gradient: Mostly flat, with small hills in wooded areas and the possibility of some flooding on trails; close-toed shoes or rubber boots recommended.

    Trail Surfaces: Mostly paved, with some dirt forest trails.

    Accessibility: We may leave the paved path to explore wooded trails; the walk can be modified on the day of in accordance with any mobility needs. A drinking water station is located near our meeting point.

    Washrooms: There are multiple portable toilets along the route and a wheelchair accessible washroom at the entrance to the park.


    • 05 Jul 2025
    • 9:30 AM
    • Rosetta McCLain Gardens

    Saturday July 5 2025

    Led by Jack Alvo, John Nishikawa.

    Date: Saturday July 5th. Begins at 9:30am, ends around 11:30am.


    Accessibility: For detailed accessibility information on this location, please

    visit Rosetta McClain Accessibility Details.docx

    Distance: Over 2 hours, approximately 1.5 km on a flat, paved loop with

    occasional interlocking bricks.

    Bathrooms: Accessible (AODA-compliant) washrooms are available near

    the parking lot.

    Type of outing: This trip is designed to be accessible & inclusive to those

    who experience accessibility challenges, either due to a disability or other

    health concerns. While all are encouraged and welcome to attend, this

    year’s event is best catered to people with mobility concerns. Accessibility

    features have been provided in detail to help you decide if you’d like to/are

    able to attend. This event is appropriate for nature enthusiasts across all

    experience levels.


    Registration is required. Please register on the OFO events page.

    Number of attendees: Limited to 10 people. Participants may also bring

    one additional person for support.


    Description: Please join us to celebrate Disability Pride month while relaxing and

    enjoying the lovely nature in Rosetta McClain Gardens. Birds Canada

    describes Rosetta McClain as “a fully accessible park featuring braille

    signage, paved roads, and many benches. It is a haven for bird and

    butterfly watchers. A park with spectacular views of Lake Ontario ideal to sit

    and let the birds come to you”.


    We will meet at 9:00 by the parking lot next to the facility building in Rosetta

    McClain Gardens. After, we will continue along a (mostly paved) loop trail

    for approximately 1.5 km. Please note, part of this trail is on interlocking

    bricks, which may be bumpy for people using a wheeled mobility device.


    This slow-paced birding experience will allow participants with varying

    degrees of mobility to savour these beautiful gardens. The trip leaders will

    help identify bird calls and songs, as we stop along the many benches to

    listen and enjoy. Newer birders will learn identification tips and

    experienced birders will enjoy learning about bird behaviour. Participants

    are welcome to stay stationary or turn back at any time.


    This is a joint event sponsored by Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO), the

    Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC), and Accessibirdies Toronto. It is open

    to all; you don’t have to be a member of these groups to celebrate with us.


    This trip is a part of OFO’s and TOC’s vision to extend guided birding

    opportunities to each and everyone, including people who have disabilities.


    Outing is free with registration.


    Targets: Various songbirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, eagles, hawks,

    in addition to butterflies, bees, dragonflies, foxes, etc.


    What to bring: Remember to dress and pack appropriately for the

    conditions, including a sunhat, sunscreen, and bottled water. If you have

    them, we encourage bringing binoculars/a camera. Snacks are suggested.


    Directions and location:

    Car: Rosetta McClain Gardens are located on Glen Everest Road in

    Scarborough, just east of the intersection of Kingston Road and Birchmount

    Road. There is a free parking lot with a number of accessible parking

    spaces.

    Public Transportation (TTC): From Victoria Park station- take the 12C bus

    east for approximately 15 minutes. Bus will stop 160 meters away from the

    entrance to the gardens. From Warden station- take the 69A bus south for approximately 10 minutes. Bus will stop 800 meters away from the entrance.


    Additional information: This is a dog-free park (service animals are

    permitted). There is no access to the lake from the park. Please feel free to

    contact diversity@ofo.ca with any additional questions you may have

    about this event, or how we can make it more accessible for you.


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