Out of curiosity.

As far as I am aware, there is no restriction on incorporating birding into a daily exercise routine so long as there is adherence to the regulations.

This is part of a statement issued earlier this month by the BTO:

The spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is having a significant impact on our lives and is likely to continue to do so over the coming months. BTO is taking this threat seriously, with utmost concern for the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers and members, and those landowners and communities with which we interact.

It is vital that our staff, volunteers and members follow the latest government advice in order to prevent the spread and transmission of infection. The monitoring work undertaken by BTO staff and volunteers makes a valuable contribution to society and to their own mental well-being, but these are exceptional times and the government advice provides the framework by which we should direct our activities. People across society are having to make sacrifices, and it is important that we, as volunteers, do our bit by following government advice and supporting the efforts to bring an end to this pandemic. Although volunteer fieldwork has been and continues to be disrupted, BTO staff are working hard to maximise the scientific value of the data that can be collected.

The health of yourselves and your families and friends is important. If you or those close to you are impacted by the virus, we wish you a swift recovery. Whether you are entering old birdwatching records from your notebooks into BirdTrack, or are watching or recording the birds as permitted locally, please stay safe and keep well..

Just been reading the Twitter feed on Homepage, must say I am extremely envious, cracking sightings/photos from the likes of Andy Sim, Richard Doan, Chris Grimshaw and others, most of them seem to go out every day, if I didn't know Covid-19 was at large I wouldn't be any wiser. I thought Mr Johnson had told everyone to stay at home but I daresay those who are venturing out call it their exercise, yeah wish I dare go out but alas not.

For those in the position I am I was wondering just out of curiosity if any birders who are having to shield due to poor health etc are going out for their 'exercise' period, I for one get my exercise in the garden when I feel okay, like yesterday I had an hour in the back garden filling feeders and putting twigs in the compost bin ready for Friday's collection, I was well wrapped up and enjoyed the fresh air, daresay I could have driven to BB but wouldn't have felt any better despite maybe seeing a larger selection of birds and I would have worried all the way there and back.

Good luck to all those who are well enough not to have to shield, I will continue to be envious of all your excellent sightings and photos while I wile away the days etc hoping the World soon comes back to some form of normality.

This thread was written on one of my off days, I don't have many thankfully, I always try to have a PMA!

Kind regards

Max