Hello from Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. We wanted to take this opportunity to address concerns with owl viewing and photography at Tommy Thompson Park (the Spit). We are sure that most observers are sensitive to the species, but in a park that hosts 250,000 people a year, the cumulative effect of individuals can have a dramatic negative effect on our wildlife.
Tommy Thompson Park Owl Viewing and Reporting Policy
Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) is located on the Leslie Street Spit, a man-made peninsula which extends 5 km into Lake Ontario. TTP has been designated a globally significant Important Bird Area and an Environmentally Significant Area.
TTP is open to the public weekends and holidays April – November from 9am to 6:00pm and November – March from 9am to 4:30pm. TTP is a car-free and pet free urban wilderness.
At least ten (10) species of owls have been recorded at TTP. Some species are regular winter visitors, but other rarer species arrive during times of food shortage in their northern ranges. Regardless of species, many individuals experience stress during the winter months which can be exacerbated by increased and concentrated attention by birdwatchers and photographers. Diurnal owls (owls that hunt during the day) need to be left alone so they can successfully hunt. Nocturnal owls (owls that hunt at night) need to be left alone so they can rest, to be ready to hunt at night. If an owl does not have the energy to successfully hunt, it is essentially a dead owl.
To ensure that the park’s ecological integrity and value to owls and all wildlife are sustained, TRCA will enforce the following policies:
• Pets are not permitted in the park.
• Please stay on designated trails and to not trample or remove vegetation, including dead vegetation.
• When observing or photographing owls stay at least five (5) meters away.
• Observe owls individually or in very small groups; move slowly and whisper.
• Do not linger around an owl for more than a few minutes.
• Do not intentionally disturb owls or cause them to change their behavior.
• Do not follow an owl if it flies away.
• When photographing owls never use flash.
• Baiting owls for any purpose is strictly prohibited.
• The use of sound devices (recordings, prey calls, etc.) is strictly prohibited.
• Do not report owl locations on the internet or birding hotlines.
• If you see anyone disturbing owls or other wildlife call the TTP staff line (416-990-8058 during public open hours) or the TRCA general line (416-661-6600 press “0” for immediate assistance). Wildlife harassment can also be reported to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
Thankyou
TTP Managment
