Nothing to suggest that so far from the 3 rarities found in the last couple of days. Both the Iberian Chiffchaff (Dorset) and American Herring Gull (Cornwall) were found by birders on their daily walks from their homes, whilst the Short-Toed Treecreeper (Dungeness) was found (or re-found) by the obs staff.
Well it depends. On the gull one would assume that you'd have to study it for a while to make sure it was the real deal. As fishing has been deemed inappropriate, and people have been condemned for sitting on park benches, there's an argument. There's certainly messages on other birds that clearly require effort beyond one's daily exercise, and involve the use of hides.
I was surprised Matt Hancock gave the green light on BBC Question Time for people to drive short distances, and then exercise or walk the dog. The question then is what's short? As a community that thinks nothing of nipping up to Shetland, our short might not be the same as others'.
It did hit home even more as I watched the later documentary on Bergamo, where there's complete lock down. With Easter looming, and better weather, I just hope he's called this one right. His message about maintaining social distancing was clear enough, but surely potential for some beauty spot chaos.
My friend lives in Fairburn village and says currently it's a nightmare with outsiders still arriving, and that's with no special bird there.
I think this year is a write-off for me; I don't live near anywhere decent. I think off-shore travel will be a non-starter even by September/October, so that's pretty much it.
Just got to tough it out but I do think putting news out, (rightly or wrongly) will do damage as not every birder will comply with guidelines, especially ones open to interpretation.
