This pandemic has turned our lives upside-down. Thankfully, birding can still be safe and the mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature are well-documented. Eric Hynes is fully vaccinated and encourages everyone to do the same, if they haven’t done so already. The following measures will be strictly adhered to during all Box Canyon Birding outings:

• Activities will follow the latest guidelines from the CDC, as well as state and county guidelines

• Transportation to birding sites will be your responsibility if you are not fully vaccinated (2 weeks after your final dose). Walkie talkies will be provided to stay in communication in separate vehicles

• Where circumstances in the field dictate that physical distancing cannot be maintained, appropriate face coverings (nose and mouth) will be required for those not fully vaccinated

• Nobody who has received a recent positive test result or is awaiting a test result, is feeling symptomatic, or has had a recent high-risk exposure, will be allowed to participate. If you have a COVID-19 test pending, have received a positive COVID-19 test result in the past 10 days, or if you are having COVID-like symptoms, you will not be allowed to participate

• Loaner binoculars and the spotting scope will be carefully sanitized before and after every use