Whimbrel Walk & Watch - Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Thursday May 25, 2023, 9:00am to 12:30pm (optional extension)
Leaders: Nancy Barrett, Monika Croydon, Adam Solomon, Raspberry Yow-Fairs
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 outing is primarily focused on seeing and learning about Whimbrel passing through the park on their long journey north to nesting grounds in the tundra. This park is one of the only places they gather in southern Ontario. We'll also be looking for late spring migrants and resident species along the way to Whimbrel Point, along with other shorebird species. Suitable for all birders.
Route: We will head southeast around the wetland to the lake, then walk west along the main lakeside trail to the "baselands" area of Whimbrel Point, maybe even do a loop through the inner peninsula trail, checking for birds along the way and always checking the sky for incoming whimbrels. We will then stake out Whimbrel Point for a while. We will likely return via a similar route, with a detour to walk through Swallow Field to see the nesting Tree Swallows, ending again at the traffic circle.
Target species: Whimbrels, other shorebirds, spring migrants
eBird Toronto--Colonel Samuel Smith Park: Colonel Sam Smith Park
Park address: 2 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6
Meeting place: At the southernmost parking lot, at the bottom of Colonel Samuel Smith Drive.
Public transit directions: The Kipling 44 and 944 South bus from Kipling Station on Line 1 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.
Driving directions: The park entrance is located south of the intersection at Lake Shore Boulevard West at Kipling Avenue. South of Lake Shore, Kipling Avenue becomes Colonel Sam Samuel Smith Park Drive. Parking is free. Two accessible parking spaces are available in the south parking lot.
Approximate distance covered on foot: 2 to 4 km.
Accessibility and Amenities: Flat terrain, along gravel and dirt paths which may be muddy after recent rains. There is one bench at Whimbrel Point; people who cannot stand for long periods may want to bring a portable beach towel or blanket to sit on the grass while watching for whimbrels. There are benches and flat-topped rocks throughout the rest of the park. There is one porta-potty in front of the Powerhouse inside the park (brick building with tall chimney along the park road). Washrooms are also available inside the Humber College campus buildings and the Ken Cox Community Centre inside Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School, all about 400 m north of the parking lot.
What to wear: Wear sturdy waterproof footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season, and terrain. Layers are recommended 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: Please bring a mask, enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks or a packed lunch. Please bring your choice of binoculars and/or camera. In bright light, a hat with a large brim will make it easier to see birds. Layers are recommended as winds off the lake can be colder than expected.
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.
