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.

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.