Club Details

Club History

The Toronto Ornithological Club was formed in 1934, and registered as a non-profit Ontario organization in 1987. It is a club for serious birders and its aims are to

  • monitor the wild bird populations of the region and maintain a comprehensive database of these populations;
  • educate the public about wild birds and their habitats through meetings, outings and by collecting and disseminating educational and research material on ornithology
  • organize or participate in projects designed to protect and preserve important habitats for birds;
  • facilitate cooperation in ornithological studies;
  • establish liaison between members and visiting naturalists.

Ethics

The Toronto Ornithological Club subscribes to the birding ethics standards set by the Ontario Field Ornithologists. Please refer here for guidelines on appropriate behaviour.

Membership

The Toronto Ornithological Club has a diverse membership comprising birders from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Members are entitled to attend club meetings, receive the club newsletter, and participate in all club activities and events.

For information on how to become a member, please .

Meetings

From September through June, TOC members and their guests meet on the second Monday of each month except the first Monday in May and the third Monday in October.

Meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. at the High Park Nature Centre (formerly High Park Forestry School), located at 375 Colborne Lodge Drive in High Park, Toronto. Directions are Directions to High Park.

Outings

The Toronto Ornithological Club offers a variety of outings for both members and the general public. Most of these fall under the banner of Jim Baillie Memorial Bird Walks, and are aimed at the intermediate birder, but equally open to beginners and experienced observers. All are free to the public and no advance registration is required.

Baillie Birdathon

The Baillie Birdathon is an annual event held each May which raises funds to support the activities of Bird Studies Canada and local organizations such as the Toronto Ornithological Club. TOC members have a long history of supporting the Baillie Birdathon as both donors and participants. More new participants are always desired to ensure this tradition continues. Birders of any skill level are encouraged to take part.

For information on how to get involved in the Baillie Birdathon please .