FREE Beginner-Friendly Bird Walk
September 26 Bird Walk Update - Hike is a go!
Fall Migration Bird Walk — Warblers, Songbirds & Photography Magic!
Join us for a Fall Migration Bird Walk through one of the park’s most active autumn hotspots. As warblers, kinglets, and other songbirds move south, the trees and thickets come alive with colour, movement, and sound — perfect for both birders and photographers.
Your walk will be led by expert birder - Peter Sproule, sharing real-time ID tips, migration insights, and behaviour cues to help you spot more birds and understand what you’re seeing. Expect mixed feeding flocks, bright fall plumage, and lots of opportunities to practice your skills.
And for those who want to level up their bird photography, retired professional photographer Max Skwarna will be part of the walk, offering friendly, hands‑on guidance throughout the morning. Max will help you work with soft fall light, choose clean and colourful backgrounds, and anticipate perches so you can capture well‑composed, beautifully lit images of the birds we find. Whether you’re shooting with a phone or a full camera setup, you’ll come away with photos you’re genuinely excited about.
Participation is limited to thirty (30) registered individuals. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars if available. Please note that the walk may venture beyond paved trails in some areas, and ground conditions could be wet or muddy. Suitable footwear is highly recommended.
Please Note: We will reply to your email to confirm your attendance for the walk or to notify you if the walk is fully booked. If your circumstances change and you are unable to attend, please inform us at your earliest convenience.
Your hike leader is local birder Peter Sproule
Bird Walk Date:
Saturday, September 26
Details:
Time: 10 am to 12 pm
Please arrive at least 10 minutes ahead of time to allow the hike to begin promptly at 10 am
Location: Colonel Sam Smith Park
We will meet in the upper parking lot (free on the weekend)
Parking lot info can be found here -Upper Parking Lot
Hike Registration
Please register for the walk/s in the following manner:
Your name/s and the number of attendees
Please email us your registration at
[email protected], subject: Bird Walk Registration
Hike Cancellation
The hike maybe cancelled if there is inclement weather.
Hike Attendance
Please dress for the conditions and wear appropriate footwear for wet conditions. The park is located on Lake Ontario and can be cooler than other city areas and some walking areas can be wet. Participants of these hikes take part at their own risk and the event organizer, sponsor and leaders assume no responsibility for any loss or injury however sustained. Please do not bring pets.
Passion for Bird & Nature Photography
Max Skwarna, a retired professional portrait photographer with over 50 years of experience in Toronto, brings his lifelong passion for bird and nature photography to our fall migration walk. Max has taken his deep knowledge of cameras, lighting, and composition and applied it to the fast, dynamic world of wildlife photography — creating truly stunning images in the field.
Throughout the walk, Max will be available to help participants capture well‑composed, beautifully lit bird and nature photos. He’ll guide you in working with fall light, choosing clean backgrounds, and anticipating perches so you can come away with images you’re genuinely proud of. Whether you’re using a phone or a full camera set up, Max’s friendly, practical tips will elevate your photography.
Take a look at Max's work at @max_skwarna
