Birding in Toronto

Garganey · **on:** May 29, 2007, 02:11:03 PM

Hello fellow birders, I am from Central England, in the next few weeks I have the pleasure of visiting Toronto for a few days, I would be very grateful if someone could give me some ideas for birding in and around the city. I have got some knowledge of Canadian birds having visited Ontario before a while ago, mainly around the Long Point area which was fantastic.

Good birding and many thanks in anticipation

ps if any of you require any info relating to Britain please do not hesitate in asking.

Jaedon · **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2007, 05:45:50 PM

Here is a link to the Toronto Ornithological Society with a suggestion for hot spots for birding:

http://www.torontobirding.ca/hotspots.php

And here's my personal list of my favourite places:

Leslie Spit (Tommy Thompson Park)
Don Valley park system (E.T. Seton, Taylor Creek, Charles Sauriol, etc)
Edwards Gardens (technically the same park system as above but since it has so much more than just a walking trail I put it on it''s own)
Bluffers Park
High Park

And lastly some advice from Norm Murr when I asked a similar question:

"Don't forget the Toronto Islands.

Best in April and May and then again from mid August to the end of October.

Many Warbler and Sparrow species as well as rarities such as LeConte's, Sharp-tailed, Lark, Grasshopper and Clay-colored Sparrows, Hooded, Worm-eating and Kentucky Warblers, Yellow-breasted Chat, Western and Summer Tanager, Sedge and Marsh Wrens, Black-backed Woodpecker, Harlequin Duck, Eared Grebe, Yellow Rail, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Tufted Titmouse, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Variegated Flycatcher, etc. All of these have been seen in the last 10 years down there."

If you need any advice on getting around the city via transit feel free to ask. I am a transit operator and I know the city fairly well... at least I know how to get around it using transit... including getting around the transit construction during the summer lol.

David Shilman · **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2007, 08:48:18 PM

Getting late for migration, but if you can drive a bit (90 minutes out of the city), try the Carden Alvar for breeding birds.

http://www.cardenplainimportantbirdarea.com/

Enjoy!

David

Garganey · **Reply #3 on:** May 31, 2007, 03:43:37 AM

Many thanks for your replies, looks like there is plenty to get my bins into, I will let you know how I get on.

Cheers & good birding

Garganey · **Reply #4 on:** August 29, 2007, 03:07:09 PM

Just a little thanks you for all your info and the assistance of the FODE and Toronto Field Naturalists. I managed to get three mini birding outings.
High Park - Very good enjoyed seeing the Chipping Sparrows at v close range also had two Caspian Tern on Grenadier, other birds - E W Pewee, GC Flycatcher, E Kingbird and the usual stuff.
Islands - Loads of Yellow Warblers and a really great singing Gray Catbird.
FODE hike - Orchard Orioles, more Yellow Warblers, Song Sparrow. Cedar Waxwings and Baltimore Oriole at the nest.

A really great city too, definitely reccommend the Mill St Brewery, great brews.

see ya soon

Betty Seebeck · **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2007, 06:10:08 PM

I will have a day or two to do some birding in the Toronto area Oct 13/14. Would appreciate any suggestions for good hot spots as well as what may be coming thru that time of year.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

angelicque · **Reply #6 on:** October 11, 2007, 08:34:47 AM

The Lambton Woods are also a very good site for birding