In this two-part workshop, learn the basics of birding from naturalist and long-time birdwatcher, Zak Smith. This workshop will teach you how to identify birds by sight and sound, how to use a field guide and binoculars to their maximum potential, and where to look for birds in Toronto's biggest park and beyond. Practice your new skills with a guided birding hike to a few of the birding hotspots in High Park and look for some of the Park's common, rare, and migratory Spring birds. The hike is moderate in difficulty. Inclement Weather Date: At the discretion of the workshop leader, the outdoor portion of this workshop may need to be rescheduled due to severe weather such as a snowstorm, freezing rain, extreme cold alert or high winds. In this situation, the Nature Centre will email participants at least one and half hours prior to the program start time. The rescheduled Inclement Weather date for the Spring Birding for Beginners workshop is: May 6th, 8:00 - 10:00 AM. Cost (for full workshop): Part 1: May 3rd, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Indoors Part 2: May 5th, 8:00 - 10:00 AM, Outdoors $50 Early Bird (Must register at least three weeks in advance - April 12)$60 Regular$44 Seniors (age 60+)For more information about this workshop and our policies, please click here.

This is the second portion of our two-part workshop led by naturalist and long-time birdwatcher, Zak Smith. This workshop will teach you how to identify birds by sight and sound, how to use a field guide and binoculars to their maximum potential, and where to look for birds in Toronto's biggest park and beyond. Practice your new skills with a guided birding hike to a few of the birding hotspots in High Park and look for some of the Park's common, rare, and migratory Spring birds. The hike is moderate in difficulty. Inclement Weather Date: At the discretion of the workshop leader, the outdoor portion of this workshop may need to be rescheduled due to severe weather such as a snowstorm, freezing rain, extreme cold alert or high winds. In this situation, the Nature Centre will email participants at least one and half hours prior to the program start time. The rescheduled Inclement Weather date for the Spring Birding for Beginners workshop is: May 6th, 8:00 - 10:00 AM. Cost (for full workshop): Part 1: May 3rd, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, IndoorsPart 2: May 5th, 8:00 - 10:00 AM, Outdoors $50 Early Bird (Must register at least three weeks in advance - April 12)$60 Regular$44 Seniors (age 60+)For more information about this workshop and our policies, please click here.

Have you ever wondered how trees reproduce? Join budding naturalists to explore how High Park trees go from sleeping skeletons to brimming with blossoming buds in the spring. Come away with some basic spring tree ID skills as well a new appreciation for trees. This event is great for all ages – bring the whole family! No pre-registration necessary, this is a drop-in event. Suggested donation of $2-$5 per person. Meet at: High Park Nature Centre located at 375 Colborne Lodge Dr. For more information, check out our Family Nature Walks page.

As a part of City of Toronto’s “Ravine Days” celebration, we invite you to explore the surprising biodiversity of Spring Creek on a nature walk led by High Park Nature Centre’s creek geek Antoine Boyer. Investigate historical maps to see how ravines age over time; compare human impacts on different tributaries; discover an underground aquifer and consider what we can do to ensure Toronto’s ravines are both healthy and functional ecosystems for future generations. All ages are welcome, but content most suitable for adults and older children (8+). This walk is NOT wheelchair or stroller accessible.Date: Saturday, May 12, 2018Time: 4:30 - 6:00 pmFee: PWYC donation (register online, donate at the event)

Calling all early birds: flock to High Park at the crack of dawn for a quiet hike to a secluded spot to hear the morning chorus of birdsong as the sun rises. Tons of songbirds will be passing through during spring migration as Toronto is on a bird superhighway.Experienced birders will be on hand to help identify the birds we hear and see.No pre-registration is required and this is a free event. And - there will be coffee!NOTE: Please check www.highparknaturecentre.com for updates as the event will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain or wind.The 300 Bloor / Danforth Night Bus stop at High Park Ave. is the closest bus stop. From there walk into High Park south along Colborne Lodge Drive to the High Park Nature Centre at the Forest School. We are north east of the tennis courts. This event is part of the 2018 Toronto Bird Celebration, coordinated by Bird Studies Canada, running from May 12 - May 27.

It's been a long journey but High Park's migrating birds are back in full force! Come hike through the woods to listen and look for our feathered friends.This event is great for all ages – bring the whole family! No pre-registration necessary, this is a drop-in event. Suggested donation of $2-$5 per person. Meet at: High Park Nature Centre located at 375 Colborne Lodge Dr. For more information, check out our Family Nature Walks page.

It's called birdwatching, but it should be called bird-listening! Birds of all kinds are known for their incredible songs and calls, and birding by ear is a sure way to find and appreciate all sorts of bird life that aren't obvious to the eye. Learn the basics of birding by ear and all about the common bird songs and calls of High Park. In this workshop we will cover: Different types of bird vocalizations (songs, calls, chips), as well as what they are for and how they help birds communicate; The main types and categories of bird songs; The common bird songs heard in High Park and beyond; Tips and tricks for distinguishing between similar songs. The hike is moderate in difficulty. Inclement Weather Date: At the discretion of the workshop leader, the outdoor portion of this workshop may need to be rescheduled due to severe weather such as a snowstorm, freezing rain, extreme cold alert or high winds. In this situation, the Nature Centre will email participants at least one and half hours prior to the program start time. The rescheduled Inclement Weather date for the Spring Songbirds workshop is: June 2nd, 7:00 - 9:00 AM. Cost (for full workshop): Part 1: May 24th, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, IndoorsPart 2: May 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 AM, Outdoors $50 Early Bird (Must register at least three weeks in advance - May 3)$60 Regular$44 Seniors (age 60+)For more information about this workshop and our policies, please click here.

This is the second portion of our two-part workshop.  It's called birdwatching, but it should be called bird-listening! Birds of all kinds are known for their incredible songs and calls, and birding by ear is a sure way to find and appreciate all sorts of bird life that aren't obvious to the eye. Learn the basics of birding by ear and all about the common bird songs and calls of High Park. In this workshop we will cover: Different types of bird vocalizations (songs, calls, chips), as well as what they are for and how they help birds communicate; The main types and categories of bird songs; The common bird songs heard in High Park and beyond; Tips and tricks for distinguishing between similar songs. The hike is moderate in difficulty. Inclement Weather Date: At the discretion of the workshop leader, the outdoor portion of this workshop may need to be rescheduled due to severe weather such as a snowstorm, freezing rain, extreme cold alert or high winds. In this situation, the Nature Centre will email participants at least one and half hours prior to the program start time. The rescheduled Inclement Weather date for the Spring Songbirds workshop is: June 2nd, 7:00 - 9:00 AM. Cost (for full workshop): Part 1: May 24th, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Indoors Part 2: May 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 AM, Outdoors $50 Early Bird (Must register at least three weeks in advance - May 3)$60 Regular$44 Seniors (age 60+)For more information about this workshop and our policies, please click here.