Join local naturalists for a special birding experience on the water.
Our next dates are on June 2 and 5, 2022. Join us, along with professional birders, to witness the spectacle that is best viewed by water. We will be visiting several Environmentally Significant Areas with the hopes to catch a glimpse of some rare bird species. Most years we spot over 30 species! Participants can now choose from either a SUP or kayak. Minimum requirement for participation requires the ability to swim short distances and tread water even without a lifejacket on.
BIRDING IN THE CITY
Bird Studies Canada celebrates birding through a variety of events spread across the city in the Spring each year. This is the Toronto Bird Celebration and we are excited to offer Paddlebirding as a way to see birds by water. This event meets at the Ferry Docks where Andres begins his talk. Participants can choose a kayak or SUP for this event.
Join us, along with professional birders, to witness the spectacle that is best viewed by water. We will be visiting several Environmentally Significant Areas with the hopes to catch a glimpse of some rare bird species. We generally see between 20-40 different species. In past events, we've witnessed a Red-Tailed Hawk swooping down above us carrying it's kill, a rare sighting of a Scarlett Tanager, a close encounter with a curious Green Heron and much more. All the better, we've had live narration from naturalist, Andres Jimenez from Birds Canada.
Andres also enjoys talking about the surprising and interesting characteristics of the more common birds, opening up conversation around the birds we see everyday. He may prompt you with questions such as: why are the wing tips of gulls black? Why do we see Canada Geese flying north in the fall when they should be flying south?
This event is great for the whole family from kids to adults and anyone with an interest in the natural world around them. If you a enjoy watching birds and other wildlife you don't have to go far out of the city to do it. Toronto Island is in the middle of 2 major migratory bird paths and hosts over 200 species of bird. If you're lucky, you may also see turtles, American Mink, beavers, and a large variety of fish on your adventure. The path takes us zigzagging through special areas denoted Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and Environmentally Significant Areas for their important flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Check out the publication below for an explorers guide to the Toronto Island.
Bird Studies Canada celebrates birding through a variety of events spread across the city in the Spring each year. This is the Toronto Bird Celebration and we are excited to offer Paddlebirding as a way to see birds by water. This event meets at the Ferry Docks where Andres begins his talk. Participants can choose a kayak or SUP for this event.
Join us, along with professional birders, to witness the spectacle that is best viewed by water. We will be visiting several Environmentally Significant Areas with the hopes to catch a glimpse of some rare bird species. We generally see between 20-40 different species. In past events, we've witnessed a Red-Tailed Hawk swooping down above us carrying it's kill, a rare sighting of a Scarlett Tanager, a close encounter with a curious Green Heron and much more. All the better, we've had live narration from naturalist, Andres Jimenez from Birds Canada.
Andres also enjoys talking about the surprising and interesting characteristics of the more common birds, opening up conversation around the birds we see everyday. He may prompt you with questions such as: why are the wing tips of gulls black? Why do we see Canada Geese flying north in the fall when they should be flying south?
This event is great for the whole family from kids to adults and anyone with an interest in the natural world around them. If you a enjoy watching birds and other wildlife you don't have to go far out of the city to do it. Toronto Island is in the middle of 2 major migratory bird paths and hosts over 200 species of bird. If you're lucky, you may also see turtles, American Mink, beavers, and a large variety of fish on your adventure. The path takes us zigzagging through special areas denoted Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest and Environmentally Significant Areas for their important flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Check out the publication below for an explorers guide to the Toronto Island.
These tours are done in small groups to ensure that everyone has a good time and the animals are not scared away. No SUP/kayak or birding experience necessary! The guide will adjust the tour itinerary to meet the needs of the group and may include a lesson if necessary. We are here to make you comfortable and facilitate a safe and fun birding and SUP experience.
Please arrive early to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to ensure you get here on time. Have small children? Toss them on board for free. We've got mini PFDs. Just let us know prior to arrival and we'll have them ready. We will meet you at meet-up location at the Algonquin Bridge. We will be on the water for roughly 2 hours. After the tour we encourage you to check out the island beaches, parks, neighborhood and restaurants in the area. The Contact page has all the details you need for getting here.
Please arrive changed and ready to go. There are public washroom facilities (big brick building) at the entrance to Wards Beach at the corner of Fifth Street and Lakeshore Avenue and also at the Fire Station at 235 Cibola Avenue. As with all TISUP experiences on the water, you must have the ability to tread water and swim short distances to partake.
You will receive an automatic email once you book outlining your next steps. If you don't receive the email (if it's sent to junk mail), click here for instructions. Please plan your trip. Be prepared to forfeit your experience with no refund if you do not arrive on time. If tour does not reach the minimum amount of guests, we may cancel. You will not be charged until a minimum of 2 people have signed up or we decide to run the tour.
Please arrive early to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to ensure you get here on time. Have small children? Toss them on board for free. We've got mini PFDs. Just let us know prior to arrival and we'll have them ready. We will meet you at meet-up location at the Algonquin Bridge. We will be on the water for roughly 2 hours. After the tour we encourage you to check out the island beaches, parks, neighborhood and restaurants in the area. The Contact page has all the details you need for getting here.
Please arrive changed and ready to go. There are public washroom facilities (big brick building) at the entrance to Wards Beach at the corner of Fifth Street and Lakeshore Avenue and also at the Fire Station at 235 Cibola Avenue. As with all TISUP experiences on the water, you must have the ability to tread water and swim short distances to partake.
You will receive an automatic email once you book outlining your next steps. If you don't receive the email (if it's sent to junk mail), click here for instructions. Please plan your trip. Be prepared to forfeit your experience with no refund if you do not arrive on time. If tour does not reach the minimum amount of guests, we may cancel. You will not be charged until a minimum of 2 people have signed up or we decide to run the tour.