Go Wild, Go Birding at Tommy Thompson Park

The Spring Bird Festival held on Saturday May 14th at Tommy Thompson Park took place with a heavy mist in the air and a sprinkle of rain. However the lousy weather did not deter a large turnout of people of all ages who were excited to take part in a variety of events hosted by the Toronto and Region Conservation.
As I entered the “Baselands” of the park at the foot of Leslie Street I knew I was in the right place as the birds were out chirping in full force. I learned these vociferous greeters were mostly warblers and red-winged blackbirds. Educational Displays were set up near the entrance where curious onlookers got a chance to get up close to a Red -tailed Hawk and a Great Horned Owl..
Located on the Toronto Waterfront, Tommy Thompson Park is Toronto’s largest greenspace and has become a preferred stopover for migrating birds in the spring and the fall. Over 300 bird species have been known to inhabit this wetland on the shores of Lake Ontario. Birds and people are not the only ones enjoying this park. Coyotes, fox, rabbits, beavers, mink, raccoon, and a plethora of snakes are also part of this habitat.
Tommy Thompson Park (formerly known as the Leslie Street Spit) is open to the public on weekends. People of all ages enjoy coming here for the birding opportunities but also to enjoy nature and exercise. The 5 kilometers of paved pathways in this park are filled with bicyclists, hikers, joggers, and those just out for a leisurely stroll.
The Lighthouse Point at the tip of the park has spectacular 360 degree views of the Toronto skyline so bring your camera but pack some water as this hike can take a few hours to get there and back. If your not up for a big hike you can always give yourself a head start and take the free park shuttle bus from the entrance out to the pedestrian bridge which gets you to lookout points alot faster.
During the weekday Tommy Thompson Park is closed to the public as it is an active landfill site. The “Brake for Snakes” sign is a cute reminder to those delivering the fill. This ecosystem originated as a fill site and that evolution is ongoing.
Tommy Thompson Park is open to the public on weekends between 9 am – 4:30 pm from November through March, and between 9 am to 6 pm from April through November. Tommy Thompson Park is located at the foot of Leslie Street at Unwin Avenue south of Lake Shore Boulevard East. It is easily accessible by TTC and there is limited free parking next to the park entrance.