Winter Birding Field Trip - Tommy Thompson Park
Saturday January 3, 2026, 9:00 am to 12:00pm
Leaders: Mark Peck, Peter Sproule.
Registration: open to 20 OFO members/guests.
Description: We will be on the lookout for birds wintering on the Spit. Possibilities include Snowy and other owls, hawks, Northern Shrike, Snow Buntings and sparrows. Birders with all skill levels are welcome!
The event will take us along flat terrain of gravel and dirt paths which may be wet, snow-covered or icy. There are flat-topped rocks throughout the park for sitting and taking breaks. The field trip will loop back and end at the meeting place.
Target species: Wintering birds.
eBird: Tommy Thompson Park
Park address: 1 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON M4M 3M2.
Meeting place: Tommy Thompson Park Pavilion at the main parking lot at the intersection of Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue.
Public transit directions: Tommy Thompson Park is a 5 minute walk from the Commissioner’s Street bus stop at Commissioner’s and Leslie. This stop is serviced by the 83 Jones Southbound bus. Route 83 runs between Donlands Station on Subway Line 2 and Commissioner’s Street. Connections with Streetcar routes 501, 502, 503 and 506, and bus routes 56 and 31B along the scheduled route.
Driving directions: The park entrance is located at Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue.
Parking: There is a free parking lot at the Tommy Thompson Park entrance. Street parking is also available on Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue. There are no accessible parking spaces.
Approximate distance covered on foot: 3-4 km.
Accessibility and Amenities: Wheelchair accessible indoor bathrooms and a water fountain is located at the Pavilion at the main parking lot. Porta potties are located along the route. Bring water and snacks/light lunch if desired, and we will have rest stops as needed.
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. In bright light, a hat with a large brim will make it easier to see birds.
What to bring: Please bring enough water for the duration of the trip, snacks or a packed lunch. Please bring your choice of binoculars, scope, and or camera.
Washrooms: Heated washrooms are available at the park entrance, and porta-potties along the way.
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.
