Sunday: June 18
Leaders: Lynne Freeman, Joanne Brathwaite
Trip Description: Meet 7:30 a.m. at the pond behind the market building of the Evergreen Brick Works on Bayville Avenue. "Naked birding" means birding without binoculars. So, yes, you are asked to wear clothing! We would like to show you that birds are all around us, even in the middle of a big city. And we can all enjoy and identify many birds even without binoculars. This walk will focus on what we can notice with our eyes and ears so we can better appreciate and understand the richness of nature all around us. The walk will be preceeded by a "big sit" from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. at the pond, looking for the many birds active there early in the morning. You can bring your binoculars and a camera if you have them, but more importantly, bring your curiosity and an open mind!
Type of Trip: A casual, low-key morning of birding in one of Toronto's hidden natural treasures. We will enjoy whatever comes our way and share birding basics with new birders.
Who Should Come? This is a joint event sponsored by OFO and the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC), so all are welcome. You do not need to be a member of OFO or TOC. This event is appropriate for birders of all experience levels. Newer birders will learn identification tips and experienced birders will enjoy learning about bird behaviour.
Location and Directions: The Evergreen Brick Works is located at 550 Bayview Avenue south of the intersection of Bayview and Pottery Road. Paid parking is available. Evergreen Brick Works has "getting there" info on its website (evergreen.ca/evergreen-brick-works/visitor-info/getting-here/).
Public Transportation: If you are taking the shuttle, please contact the trip leader at 416-671-0325 on the morning of the trip with an ETA. The subway operates from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. Shuttles are available from Broadview Station. Please check the shuttle schedule. To accommodate people who are taking public transport, we scheduled our "big sit" at the pond. Latecomers can join us there before 9:00.
Who should come? This event is open to everyone. You do not need to be a member of OFO or TOC. This event is appropriate for birders of all experience levels. Newer birders will learn identification tips and experienced birders will enjoy learning about bird behaviour.
Duration: 7:30 a.m. — 11:00 a.m. The event includes a two-hour leisurely walk with frequent stops to look at interesting things.
Approximate Distance: Two kilometres.
Terrain: Ponds, open spaces, an urban forest edge.
Trail Surfaces: Mostly paved trails and boardwalks. Possibility of short distances on forest trails.
Gradient: Mostly level; however, there are some small hills.
Accessibility: Suitable for people using mobility aids.
Washrooms: On site.
Land Acknowledgement for Toronto: 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 own 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 leader, 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.
