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.