Sunday: June 25
Leaders: Maxwell Matchim (they/them), 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). After a successful inaugural event in 2022, we are returning with another exciting Pride Month collaboration between OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC). On the 2023 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.
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, contructed 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.
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.
What You Need to Know
OFO welcomes all people who are interested in birds and birding and strives to create an inclusive, comfortable and enjoyable experience. OFO trip leaders are volunteers who generously offer their time to share their knowledge and passion for birds with others.
Beginner Birders: Most OFO trips are suitable for beginner birders. Please let the trip leaders know if you are new to birding when you arrive.
Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics: Participants are expected to review OFO’s Code of Conduct and Code of Birding Ethics before the trip.
Transportation: All participants are responsible for their transportation to and from the field trip. Public transit information, if available, is included in the trip description.
Meeting Time: Please arrive a few minutes before the start time. Please contact the trip leaders (if a cell number is provided) if you are running late or cannot attend.
What to Wear: Wear sturdy footwear and dress appropriately for the weather, season and terrain. 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 your ID and health card, a mask, enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks, a packed lunch for a longer trip and money for park entrance and ferry fees. Depending on the season, sunscreen, insect repellant and a topical insect bite treatment such as Afterbite or Benadryl are recommended.
Optics and Cameras: Please bring your choice of binoculars, optional scope and camera. Please contact the Field Trips Coordinator in advance by email at fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you require loaner binoculars. We will do our best to provide a pair.
Leaving Early: Trip leaders understand that not everyone will be able to stay for the duration of the trip. If you must leave early, please inform the trip leaders.
Rest Stops and Lunch Breaks: Trip leaders will include rest stops and lunch breaks, but if you require additional rest stops, please inform the trip leaders, so they can accommodate your request.
Safety and First Aid: Trip leaders are volunteers. They are not trained in first aid and cannot provide medical help in the case of an accident or administer medication. When driving, please follow the rules of the road. Exercise caution when parking on the side of the road and getting out of your car.
Accessibility: OFO aims to provide accessible birding trips which are welcoming and enjoyable for all. If you have any questions about the trip, or require accommodations, please contact the trip leaders in advance by emailing fieldtrips@ofo.ca. Please allow a few days for a response.
Contact: Please email fieldtrips@ofo.ca if you have any questions or concerns.
