By Stacey Lee Kerr, Toronto Bird Celebration Coordinator, Bird Studies Canada
Cedar Waxwing Photo: Mark Peck
Looking for ways to explore Toronto’s vibrant birdlife during spring migration? Want to get your non-birding friends and family hooked on birds, and excited to come with you on your next outing? Join Bird Studies Canada and a host of partners for the 2018 Toronto Bird Celebration! An abundant offering of bird-themed events will be available for your enjoyment from May 12-27. You can start by celebrating World Migratory Bird Day at one of multiple kickoff events happening across the city on May 12.
Last year, as part of Canada 150, Bird Studies Canada and our partners marked the first-ever Toronto Bird Celebration. Over the course of two weeks, an impressive 11,000 bird lovers joined in the festivities at more than 35 events across the GTA.
This year’s Celebration includes outdoor events, such as guided walks and festivals, as well as indoor events, like a special screening of “The Big Year.” You can take part in workshops on bird-friendly gardening and tree planting; see a spectacular ‘swift-nado’ of Chimney Swifts descend into a downtown chimney; challenge your friends to bird-themed trivia and board games; and much more (registration is required for certain events). See the events map and listing for more details.
Our goal for the Toronto Bird Celebration is to raise awareness of the exciting diversity of birds that can be found in the GTA, particularly during the migratory season, and to inspire more people to get out birding – just for fun, or as Citizen Scientists. Bird Studies Canada is honoured to be working in concert with a fantastic group of partners, including Parks Canada, Toronto Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Zoo, City of Toronto, Toronto Ornithology Club, and the Humber Arboretum, to bring unique and unforgettable bird experiences to you.
For the full event schedule, downloadable resources, and other Toronto Bird Celebration information, please visit www.torontobirdweek.ca. You can also keep up with the buzz and join the #TOBirdParty conversation on Twitter by following @BSC_Ontario. We’re sharing bird photos, fun facts, and event previews on social media throughout our 30-day countdown to the celebration!
The Toronto Bird Celebration is brought to you with support from The W. Garfield Weston Foundation and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
