Environmental Sustainability Events

2025 Events

Christmas Bird Count 

Grab your binoculars because the Christmas Bird Count is back! Join the City of Vaughan to participate in Canada's longest-running community science bird project, with Audubon. During the walk, you will count the number of birds and species you see and hear. Both beginner and intermediate bird watchers are welcome to join. 

Date: Sunday, Dec. 14

Location: Elder's Mills Nature Reserve (230 Napa Valley Ave.)

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Registration is required. Event is free. Parking is available on Napa Valley Avenue, and the group will meet at the trail entrance between Napa Valley Avenue and Montebello Avenue. 

Not sure if you know enough about birds to take part? No problem! We will begin the walk with a basic overview of birding and identify some of the species we are most likely to see.

This event will be held rain, snow, wind or shine. It will also require walking, so please dress appropriately. The path through Elder’s Mills Nature Reserve is not paved, and there are slight sloping areas. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, however, we will have extra pairs available to borrow for those who need them.

Following the event, we will share the data we collect in the field with the Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Not able to attend? Borrow a bird kit from Vaughan Public Libraries and enjoy birdwatching in your own time. Kits can be checked out, with a library card, from the Civic Resource Library, Pierre Berton Resource Library and Bathurst Clark Resource Library. Each kit includes:

• A code for a free online Birding for Beginners course by Birds Canada
• The book: Field Guide to Birds of Eastern and Central North America
• One set of vortex binoculars
• A birding log and other fun activity sheets

• A guide to using bird identification apps

Visit vaughan.ca/birdfriendly for a list of birding hotspots in Vaughan and resources to get you started.