FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2023, Toronto, Ontario – Spring has sprung in the GTA which means the birds are back in town! Just like the film stars that flock to Toronto each year, our honoured guests will soar together at the 7th annual Toronto Bird Celebration.
Toronto is an important area for more than 50 million birds that will visit the city this spring. What better way to make these “celebirdies” feel welcome than to join the Toronto Bird Celebration party. This month-long festival of events spans from the Rouge Urban National Park, out to Toronto Island, and up to the parks of Brampton. With more than 30+ events on the calendar, there is something for everyone to discover in May.
Emerging birders and seasoned pros alike can look forward to Lunch with Birds at Queens Park with Mark Peck, Royal Ontario Museum Ornithology Technician, Paddlebirding around Ward’s Island with Toronto Island SUP, expert lead workshops at Downsview Park, and Monday morning walks around St. James Park. Swift Night Out and Whimbrel Watch make a return on May 25th, and you can learn about the Canadian Lakes Loon survey at a free webinar on May 16th.
Photo: Andrés Jiménez
Experienced birders and nature photographers should take note of the Fjällräven x Birds Canada walk at Tommy Thompson Park on May 20th. Have an intersecting love for birds and art? Be sure to register for the Dawn Chorus Field Sketch at Ashbridges Bay on May 20th.
For family friendly activities don’t miss the return of the Tommy Thompson Spring Bird Festival on May 13th, and Colonel Samuel Smith Spring Bird Festival on May 27th. New this year, the Big Sit goes to Brampton to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on May 13th, and be sure to register in advance for Birder Brain: Birding and Mental Health with Kelly-Sue O’Connor at Toronto Public Library Downsview Branch on May 17.
Attending events isn’t the only way to get in on the fun! The Celebirdy Contest is on now until May 28th. Passengers on the TTC should keep an eye out for the Celebirdies – the Chimney Swift and Red-necked Grebe – while they ride. Be sure to use #TOBirdParty on Instagram when you spot them for contest entry to win binoculars from Kowa Optics, Fjällräven gear, Firefly books and more.
“The Toronto Bird Celebration gives our community a chance to pause, find refuge in nature, reconnect with friends, and experience the wonders of spring migration,” says Olivia Carvalho, Urban Engagement & Events Coordinator for Birds Canada. “Whether you’re a newcomer to the region or a Toronto native, an experienced birder or an emerging one, there’s something for everyone during the Toronto Bird Celebration.”
The Toronto Bird Celebration is coordinated by Birds Canada, delivered with the support of 20+ partnering organizations in the GTA, and made possible with the generous support of TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Kowa Optics, Armstrong Bird Food, Pattison Outdoor Advertising, and Fjällräven Toronto.
Northern Cardinal Photo: Mary Ott
Visit torontobirdcelebration.ca to find a full calendar of events and free online resources such as multilingual gardening guides for bird-friendly gardens and an interactive map of birding hot spots in Toronto. Birds Canada offers many more opportunities to learn and participate at birdscanada.org.
Media contact
Olivia Carvalho, Urban Engagement & Events Coordinator, Birds Canada
About Birds Canada:
Birds Canada is the country’s only national organization dedicated to bird conservation. Our mission is to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada. Every day, our thousands of caring donors, 75+ passionate staff, and 74,000+ outstanding volunteers are taking action to help us better understand, appreciate, and conserve birds and habitats. Find out more at Birdscanada.org.
