The Toronto Bird Celebration 2022 Celebrates the Great Return
…of 50 million birds and birding in person.
For immediate release
[April 12, 2022] (Port Rowan, ON)
As thousands of migratory birds return north after a long winter they bring with them the promise of warmer days, joy, and happiness. Marking the end of another dark and cold season, these feathered friends symbolize new life and the colours of spring in the Greater Toronto Area.
The return of migratory birds brings about the 6th Annual Toronto Bird Celebration (TBC), kicking off with events at the beginning of May and running through the second week of June. The Celebration aims to help residents and visitors connect with urban wildlife and discover one of the healthiest outdoor hobbies – birding! With more than 30 events including paddlebirding eco-tours around Toronto Island, expert-led hikes, and gardening workshops, you’ll be sure to find events worth flocking to.
Organizers are particularly excited about the first ever “Birds and Bhangra” on May 13, an online dance lesson with Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon to celebrate the return of the birds, just ahead of World Migratory Bird Day.
Gurdeep Pandher
Events are not the only way to join in on the fun. Beginning mid-April, passengers on the TTC should keep an eye out for this year’s Celebirdies – the Scarlet Tanager and the Cliff Swallow. Be sure to use #TOBirdParty on Instagram when you spot them for entry to win FjallRaven gear, Firefly books, and more!
New this year is the addition of Celebration Ambassadors. Birds Canada is thrilled to welcome The Roberta Bondar Foundation, Alex Miller, and Toronto City councillor Mike Layton to the Toronto Bird Celebration. These individuals bring a mutual passion for conservation and connecting people across the country with wildlife, along with expertise from their respective areas. Councillor Layton anticipates another exciting year saying, “This festival is particularly close to my heart. The Celebration not only brings people closer to birds and the green spaces in the city but celebrates the recent declaration of Toronto as a Bird Friendly City.”
The 2022 Celebration brings the exciting return of in-person events along with new online content. “We are excited to share the new Birding in Toronto interactive map, a map designed with accessibility in mind featuring top birding hot spots in the City with an accessibility rating. Our hope is that this map inspires people to get outside and know that birding is an activity that anyone can enjoy!” adds Olivia Carvalho, Urban Program Lead for Birds Canada. To register for events, explore the map, and read up about the Celebration Ambassadors, visit torontobirdcelebration.ca.
Cliff Swallow Photo: Jody Allair
Photo: Andrés Jiménez
Photo: Andrés Jiménez
Photo: Andrés Jiménez
Photo: Gurdeep Pandher
Cliff Swallow Photo: Yousif Attia
Scarlet Tanager Photo: Yousif Attia
Media Contact
Ruth Friendship-Keller
Director of Communications
Tel: 519-586-3531 ext. 111 | Toll free: 1-888-448-2473
rfriendshipkeller@birdscanada.org | birdscanada.org
More about the Celebration:
Why a celebration? Around the world, cities are being recognized for their important role in sustaining ecosystems. In addition, it has been clearly demonstrated that urban biodiversity is critical to city dwellers’ health and well-being. With most Canadians living in cities, we must increase the public’s understanding and appreciation of urban nature for the benefit of humans and wildlife alike.
The Toronto Bird Celebration is coordinated by Birds Canada and delivered by community partnerships and conservation organizations: Birds Canada, City of Toronto, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Ornithological Club, Toronto Parks, Rouge Valley Foundation, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Zoo, Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada, High Park Nature Centre, Humber Arboretum, Toronto Botanical Garden, Parks Canada, Feminist Bird Club, Downsview Park, Willowdale Community Neighbourhood Association, Ontario Field Ornithologists, City of Brampton Parks and Forestry, Toronto Field Naturalists, Shadowland Theatre, Toronto Island SUP, and Bird Friendly City – Toronto.
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, more than 70 passionate staff, and over 70,000 outstanding volunteers are taking action. Together, we are Canada’s voice for birds. Learn more at birdscanada.org.