COVID-19 Spring

[yep]

I'm sure I'm not alone in wondering what sort of opportunities there will be around the city this spring as we head into migration season. Obviously my trip to Pelee is off, but I'm wondering what the feeling is around birding in the city (places like Tommy Thompson, Col. Sam, Humber Bay, etc.)
According to Toronto Parks website:

Park and ravine green spaces remain accessible, but all amenities within City parks are closed. If you are visiting a park space, please practice physical distancing.

Under the list of Park Amenities is listed parking lots.

I'm not a COVID denier, but I do feel birding is something I can do while maintaining social distance (I typically do). If I visited a park, I'm not touching anything other than my own equipment. So this leaves only the issue of driving there. Driving for pleasure is not encouraged at this time, but would some early morning outings in the first week of May be truly out of line?
One issue, as I mentioned is that parking lots seem to be off limits. So it means parking on a nearby city street and walking in to these places.

I'm wondering what the general feeling is on this? Is it violating the spirit of what we're all trying to accomplish for us to go birding alone in the coming weeks?

[Dinusaur]

Yes the general directive is to stay home unless it absolutely essential to go out maintaining social distancing norm all along. Walking or jogging is allowed in local trails, but if one has to drive to get to the trail then my feeling is that it is a no go.

[Shortsighted]

The idea includes what happens when something goes wrong because you went out with the car for a completely unnecessary outing, an outing that does not provide the necessities of life. Ha, that's debatable. Birding and spending time in the natural world, or at least what little of it is at our disposal seems essential to mental health. Anyway, if your car breaks down, doesn't start after you park ... whatever ... then you will need assistance from someone else, perhaps several people and all of that subsequent interaction is counterproductive to the theme of social distancing. If you can walk to a remote spot, and a few of us are lucky enough for that to be a possibility, then I guess it would be OK to go out. The best thing would be to follow the directive to the nth degree, completely adhering to family self isolation but the problem is that such measures may be needed for MONTHS! Fat chance there will be compliance with that plan.

[yep]

Exactly why I started this discussion. The mental health piece of this puzzle is no small piece for all of us. But you've spelled out exactly why I mentioned that we are being directed not to drive for pleasure. I personally think that risk is small (car not starting, having a crash), but this whole thing is about mitigating risk.

I'm honestly torn about this. I don't want to be selfish and risk harm to others, but I also believe there is risk to depriving ourselves of all our pleasures in life. For many of our pleasures there is no choice - things are closed - but for some, say, a fifteen minute drive for a soul-refreshing experience in nature, the opportunity is still there and the risk of spreading this virus is extremely minimal.

There was a post on OntBirds today about birders on the Toronto Islands. I wholeheartedly agree that it should be off-limits. Not for the naive perception that the residents there can somehow remain isolated from this, but the simple fact that most would have to take a ferry to get there, which exposes both sides to risk.

[BC]

The ABA has posted their recommendations/guidelines here: https://www.aba.org/aba-code-of-birding ... 7bTul1l1Zg

[mr.sharp-photo]

i wrestle with this.
on one hand, birding solo is totally fine. don't touch, keep your distance (most birders tend to be antisocial so that's not hard haha), etc.
on the other hand, if everyone flooded parks, then what?
i'm thinking of the wet woods. would i ask a birder to move so i could see a bird? or to not come near me if i'm seeing something rare?

to want to go birding is a combination of selfish and self care. i honestly am not 100% sure where i stand. use walks as an example. going for a walk is fine, as long as you keep your distance. it's easier for me to keep 6 ft from someone if i'm at Sam Smith or the Wet Woods or Ashbridges then it is walking through Greektown.

[yep]

I agree. The part I struggle with most is the driving aspect. But as I look around and talk to others, it seems many (most?) people are still driving wherever they please. So I guess I miss out on spring migration because I'm a good rule follower?
It sounds selfish when I say it, but I don't know. But the alternative feels horribly unfair.

[Piokii]

@Yep... Thank you for asking this question, it is great to hear fellow birders being thoughtful of their surroundings, fellow people, and limiting your impact on those. Of course, any real birder knows that respect for our environments, property and other people is central to birding anyways. Here's my take, for what it's worth. (Sadly, my trip to Peele is also off the table   )

I live next to an urban park, and have been grateful that we have been allowed to continue using it safely as possible. I own a beagle, and without the off-leash areas, its next to impossible to get her tired out, and an ornery beagle at home is enough to drive you crazy. So I've been taking her for an hour or two each day, and taking binocs with me. She has been surprisingly quick to join in my erratic and sudden stops for any flighty movements. I have been sticking to side trails, not only are they better for birds, I rarely run into anyone. I must admit, my own mental and physical health is greatly benefiting from this activity too, and feel I am avoiding most risks, considering my dog and I do need the exercise anyways.

That said.... I'm not driving there. And it's practical enough to avoid the main entrance and scarcely encounter people. I am having a difficult time convincing myself I could simply drive 10min to Humber Bay Park. Take side streets and go slow? Sure. Go on a non-sunny/ even -drizzly day? Sure, actually good for the incoming songbirds (?!) and less people out there. But obviously it is far from essential. Can I combine the trip with picking up some take out form a local business, and getting groceries? Seems unwise actually. Best to stick to my usual grocery store, with same people, and same germs.

I'm clearly torn, and not really helping decide anything here. I think a short, low speed car trip to a less-used park on an off-day is something I would consider doing. Driving across the Gardiner to join the flocks of people on a sunny Sunday at Humber Bay though, I think would be a 'No'. I imagine most birders would avoid that anyways on a normal year, let alone with the current COVID situation. Like you've said, there not really any parking anyways, and there's small risks with driving that we don't need to take. But I'm in a 1 bedroom unit, with no job (read:purpose) right now, and an introverted need to spend time without my (lovely) spouse. I think I feel OK with taking the odd trip, once or twice a month, to a less-than-local park on an off day. Especially if I were in a position where I was further from a park. Personally I think I will stick to my local park because I am extremely lucky, but I would be understanding of those who need to take a trip, as safely as possible.

TL;DR If done as safe and sparingly as possible, a short trip to a park has tremendous health benefits, and I think should be OK for those in need of doing so.