Celebration of World Migratory Bird Day

Join us at Unionville Library when the City of Markham will proclaim October 11, 2025 - World Migratory Bird Day. Our theme for the year 2025 is "Shared Spaces: Creating Bird Friendly Cities and Towns". Canada welcomes over 450 different bird species. Migratory birds not only bring their beautiful songs and plumage colours to Canada each Spring, they also provide a snapshot of ecosystem health as an indicator species. Learn what the City of Markham is doing to ensure that our City is bird friendly. The Proclamation ceremony will begin in Unionville Library, Program Room at 2 PM.

Take part in a guided bird walk beginning immediately following the Proclamation at 3 PM. During the walk, you will learn about the different species that overwinter in our community, as well as those preparing for their long migration south. We will also highlight the need to create and adapt environments to support bird populations across all communities, including in our bustling city. We will demonstrate how to use binoculars (please bring binoculars, if you have them), field guides and birding apps to prepare you for your next birding adventure. Your walk leader, Kathleen Elizabeth Noël will share her knowledge of birds, ethical bird photography and the importance of preserving the habitats birds call home. This walk will be geared towards families with young birders.

• Transit accessible: Yes
• Meeting point: Unionville Library
• Distance: Approximately 2 km
• Location: Path From Unionville Library to the Rouge River
• Parking: Yes
• Difficulty: Easy, flat, gravel and paved trail
• Pace: Easy
• Duration: 1 hour
• Age range: Families with young children 4 and up
• Service dogs only

Please Note: It is your responsibility to be up to date on whether a walk is cancelled in extreme temperatures, weather events or unforeseen circumstances.

Photo credit: Kathleen Elizabeth Noël, Ruby Crowned Kinglet

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Markham, Meetups in Markham, Health & Wellness events in Markham.