Car Hike: Spring Birding Silver Creek

Hosting Club: Toronto
Category: Car Hike
Location (Google Maps): Silver Creek

Hike Leader(s): Janet Patterson Click here to contact Hike Leader(s)

Pace: Leisurely (2-3 km/hr)
Terrain: Variable
Distance: approx 3 - 4 km

Description

Join BTC ecologist Mara McHaffie and members of the Toronto Bruce Trail Club's Biodiversity Team on a hike to learn about birds along the Bruce Trail. This will be a leisurely walk with plenty of stops to observe and listen to the birds we find. This hike will be geared towards beginner birders (no experience necessary) but all are welcome. The BTC's Silver Creek property boasts a variety of habitats, including meadows, forests, ponds and streams, so we expect to see a good diversity of birds. Some will be just passing through during migration, while others will be staying for the breeding season.

During the hike, we will discuss how you can use apps like iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID and eBird to enhance your birding experience. If you'd like to try them out for yourself, please download them ahead of time, as cell service can be spotty at this location.

Besides water and snacks, bring binoculars if you have them, and please dress for the weather. Note that due to the slow pace and frequent stops, you may want to dress more warmly than you would for a faster-paced hike.

While there is no regular public parking at this location, we will have the gate open to allow parking on site. Parking is available just inside the farm gate off Highway 7, just west of where Trafalgar side trail enters the property (just west of the intersection of Highway 7 and Trafalgar Rd). A sign will be placed at the entrance and PLEASE NOTE that due to the divided road, you can only turn right into the property while travelling southwest on Highway 7 (no left turn). Refer to the map for more details: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-GvFUz_TAnTi9iqKkJSyRwYNxZM3xxX3/view?usp=drive_link