🐦2026 Birding Walks with Urban Nature Store
🎟️ Free Beginner Birding Walks
Fall Migration and the Warblers of Swan Lake Park
Please contact support@urbannaturestore.ca to RSVP. Spots are limited to 35 participants.
📅 Date & Time
Sunday, August 30, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Meeting Location
Please meet at the gazebo by the park and playground sign at 25 Swan Park Road by 10:00 AM.
Walk Location:
Swan Lake Park Trail | 25 Swan Park Road, Markham, ON L6E 1Z5
Parking:
Plenty of street parking is available along Swan Park Road, right next to the park.
🐦 About the Walk
Nestled in the heart of Markham, Swan Lake Park is a sanctuary for an astounding number of birds. At least 188 distinct species and multiple hybrids have been recorded at the park, including 27 different species of warblers!
This walk will focus primarily on observing and identifying fall migrants, including warblers in their more muted autumn colours as they pass through the park during migration season.
🌿 Trail & Accessibility
Swan Lake Park features a short gravel trail through the woods with two small hills and multiple observation points overlooking the lake, pond, and marshy areas. Participants may also have opportunities to observe warblers and vireos moving through the tree canopy at eye level. The trail passes a smaller pond where Great Blue Herons and kingfishers are often seen and continues around the larger lake, where many bird species can be found.
🚻 Facilities
Please note that there are no public bathrooms at Swan Lake Park.
The park is located near Markham Road and Markham Museum, with several plazas and restaurants nearby, including coffee shops, bakeries, and other local businesses where washroom facilities may be available.
🎒 What to Bring
Please come prepared for outdoor birding:
- Long pants that can be tucked into socks for tick protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sturdy footwear, such as running shoes or hiking boots
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Binoculars, if you have them
- Camera, if you wish
A small number of binoculars will be available to borrow for participants who do not have their own. Come prepared to be wowed by the incredible biodiversity of Swan Lake Park!
🐦 Walk Leader: Kathleen Elizabeth
Kathleen has loved nature and cared about protecting our planet, birds, and wildlife from a young age. She has been an avid birder and ethical wildlife photographer since 2022.
She is a member of Friends of Swan Lake Park (FOSLP), Bird Friendly City Markham, the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC), and Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO), and is also a volunteer with FLAP Canada.
Kathleen has led birding walks and served as a guide for organizations including the Toronto Ornithological Club, Friends of Swan Lake Park, Bird Friendly City Markham, Earth Day Canada, Environmental Defence’s Reconnection York Region Project, and the Swan Lake Citizen Science Lab. She was also a member of the Bird Emergency Atlas Survey Team (BEAST) for the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas during the summer of 2025.
📧 RSVP
Please contact support@urbannaturestore.ca to RSVP. Spots are limited to 35 participants.
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World Migratory Bird Day at Pomona Mills Park
Please contact support@urbannaturestore.ca to RSVP. Spots are limited to 35 participants.
📅 Date & Time
Sunday, October 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Meeting & Parking
Meet by the parking lot at Pomona Mills Park at 244 Henderson Ave, Markham, ON L3T 2M1 by 10:00 AM.
Walk Location: Pomona Mills Park and Thornhill Meadow
Parking: Ample parking is available at the park.
🐦 About the Walk
Join us to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and explore Pomona Mills Park and Thornhill Meadow, home to 100+ bird species, from Golden-crowned Kinglets to Red-tailed Hawks.
We’ll search for migrating birds preparing to head south, seasonal visitors such as Dark-eyed Juncos, and year-round residents including Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Cardinals, and Blue Jays. Participants will also learn about citizen science and how we can help support local bird populations.
🌿 Trail & Facilities
The walk includes a mix of paved, gravel, and dirt trails.
There are no public restrooms at Pomona Mills Park or Thornhill Meadow. The park is located near Thornhill Community Centre, cafés, and restaurants.
🎒 What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
- Long pants for tick protection
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Binoculars and/or camera, if available
A small number of binoculars will be available to borrow.
🐦 Walk Leader: Kathleen Elizabeth
Kathleen is an avid birder and ethical wildlife photographer and a member of Friends of Swan Lake Park, Bird Friendly City Markham, the Toronto Ornithological Club, and Ontario Field Ornithologists. She is also a volunteer with FLAP Canada and has led bird walks for several environmental and community organizations.
📧 RSVP
Please contact support@urbannaturestore.ca to RSVP. Spots are limited to 35 participants.
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🐦 Lynde Shores Conservation Area Bird Walk
Please contact support@urbannaturestore.ca to RSVP. Spots are limited.
📅 Sunday, October 18, 2026
🕤 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Meeting: Parking lot at 623 Halls Rd S, Whitby, ON
🌿 Trail: Approximately 2 hours on mostly walking trails
Join us for a morning bird walk at Lynde Shores Conservation Area, exploring the trails and discovering the many bird species that call this beautiful area home.
⭐ Proudly sponsored by Zeiss
🎒 What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear
- Long pants for tick protection
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Binoculars and/or camera, if available
A small number of binoculars will be available to borrow.
