Photo by Tamima Itani
Dear Chicago area birders,
We’re reaching out to you to extend our wishes for your health and the health of your family, and to give a brief update on birding responsibly in this time of pandemic.
Our three birding organizations have canceled all bird walks until further notice, in order to support public health. There are two strong and somewhat conflicting messages that should govern our time outside now:
1. It is good for health to spend time outdoors.
2. If people are congregating in outdoor spaces, those spaces will be closed.
We have already seen this happen to Chicago’s lakefront, and last week the Forest Preserves of Cook County warned that it will close sites where people congregate.
We encourage you not to bird in groups, and not to bird in places that are busy… and to carefully follow the guidance below which was put out by the Forest Preserves this morning, wherever you go outdoors. Use Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) guidelines on hygiene before, during and after your visit:
• Do not visit the forest preserves if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.
• Wash your hands before and after visiting.
• Carry and use hand sanitizer if you touch surfaces like handrails.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes (preferably with a disposable tissue).
• Keep a minimum distance of six feet from other trail users at all times.
• Warn others on the trail of your presence and step off the trail when necessary to maintain six feet of distance.
• Bring your own food and water—do not use drinking fountains or water pumps.
• Help by carrying your trash out with you, particularly used tissues or food wrappers.
Here are places to check the current status of some popular birding locations on public land:
Above all, we are a community. Here are some ways to stay in touch:
- IOS, COS and CAS have plans for on-line events. The first one, COS’ ”Birds and Bytes”, was a fun chat with Josh Engel. IOS/ILYB is conducting Youth Webcam birding sessions online for Illinois Youth.
- If you’ve been shunning social media, you might reconsider now. Between IOS, COS and CAS, you will find a strong presence on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, including lots of great photos of what members are seeing and CAS’ Instagram Sounds of Spring countdown of bird songs heard this year.
- This is a great time to adopt a site within walking distance and try to drive up the eBird list. If you are near any of Chicago's rivers, you can be part of the River Blitz Chicago!
We hope that birds bring you comfort and relief during this time, and we thank you for all that you do to make nature come alive in our communities - and for all you are doing at work and home to keep us all safe and healthy.
Much love, warm wishes and appreciation.
Judy Pollock, Carl Giometti, Matt Igleski
Presidents of CAS, COS, IOS