05/09/2026
🐦 It’s ! This year’s theme highlights the important role of community science for the conservation of migratory birds.
Did you know 195 bird species have been reported at Ontario Place?
🌊 Ontario Place, situated on the lakeshore, had grown into a remarkable habitat for birds. Significantly, over a dozen species recorded here are recognized on the provincial Species-at-Risk list (protections also eviscerated by ) including Grasshopper Sparrows, Horned Grebes, Wood Thrushes and Eastern Meadowlarks.
🍃 We’re putting a spotlight on swallows because the West Island supported an astounding number of these birds. Hundreds of Cliff Swallow nested around the Pods, and huge mixed flocks of Barn, Tree, Cliff and Bank Swallows could be observed flying and foraging together. In fact, all six species of swallows found in Ontario have been observed here - they are all experiencing declines in population.
You may have noticed the Barn Swallow structures which were placed in Trillium Park a couple of years ago - they are required compensation when there is planned nest and habitat destruction. Not a single Barn Swallow has used them.
This month, around 50 million birds pass over Toronto in migration, making a pit stop for food and shelter on the city shores during their journey north. The West Island at Ontario Place was a special place to witness this spectacular moment in nature’s calendar.
What happened for Therme Canada's project? Hundreds of trees and a habitat destroyed in the night, all to be replaced by a giant glass building the size of a football stadium. A project exempt from the Environmental Assessment Act and the Environmental Bill of Rights.
In an open letter from on the project, they wrote of the continued dangers of the project, even if all current building guidelines were to be followed.
How many swallows will be swooping overhead of Therme’s megaspa?
Our environment and our shared spaces with wildlife deserve so much better.
