Social Distancing and the Outdoors

Conehead Katydid encountered on March 27

An unprecedented number of closures to public recreation properties is currently in place, with more changes coming almost daily due to the coronavirus pandemic. On March 28 SCDNR closed access to two popular sites in the Lowcountry and the upstate when they closed the beach at Botany Bay WMA, and the observation platform at Sassafras Mountain. Other closures encompass county parks, state parks and more, but longtime outdoor enthusiasts already know how to navigate such scenarios. Gardening, birdwatching and fixing fences are solitary endeavors, not to mention spring turkey hunting and pond fishing.

            

To many sportsmen the spring turkey hunting season in South Carolina is the pinnacle of the outdoors calendar. Did you know that all the SCDNR public access turkey draw hunts for 2020 have been canceled? However, those hunting on private lands are continuing as normal, especially since hunt parties usually consist of only one or two people. It’s probably a good thing that the old standard of taking a harvested turkey to a check station is long gone, or else that may have been a hindrance to private land hunters. Wild turkeys possess keen senses and are unusually adept at detecting disturbance in the woodlands, making the veteran turkey hunter a bellweather when it comes to social distancing practices. To read a sporting tale from the turkey woods click on 2009 Opening Day Hunt Drama. 

Spring time is the equivalent to the World Series of Birding Observations! Since we have no organized sports in the time of social distancing, there is no better time to start playing the game of bird watching. Scoring a home run observation of a scarlet tanager or a rose-breasted grosbeak is a lofty goal during spring migration. However, putting together enough regular sightings of ruby-throated hummingbirds, painted buntings, and orchard orioles is more than enough to feel like a winner. Keeping some bird seed in a feeder, and water in a bird bath, will help to bring all yard birds into view for a rewarding encounter. To read more about birding right now click on Spring 2020.

            

Keep an eye out for natural beauty and critter reproduction in spring too. Flowers, insects and more emerge in Spring, and often reveal themselves early in the morning or late in the evening. Just this week, I observed four juvenile squirrels emerging from a small crevice in an otherwise ordinary looking hardwood tree. They only emerge from the nest hole briefly and are timid in nature thus far, but their instinct of playfulness is sure to set them free very soon. Butterflies, moths and other insects seem to appear from nowhere to signal that the season cycle holds deep meaning for their species. Reptiles like snakes and turtles can show up in unexpected places in spring, as the rays of summer continues to warm the land.

            

Saltwater and freshwater fishing are both acceptable outlets during this time of social distancing. Experienced anglers already know that some of the best fishing memories can be recorded while solo, or simply with a single fishing buddy. Keeping a few fish for the kitchen table is acceptable, but the practice of catch and release helps to keep fish stocks sustainable. In general, recreational outdoor activities are sustainable, and the coronavirus pandemic is placing a microscope on the fact that many are taking comfort from time spent outdoors.

To read the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past Field Notes and Photos click on March 2020 - June 2019 - July 2018 - February 2018 -  December 2017 - September 2017 - January 2017- December 2016 - June 2016 - February 2016- December 2015 - October 2015 - September 2015 - August 2015 - July 2015 - June 2015 - February 2105 - October 2014 -  September 2014 - August 2014 - June 2014 - March 2012 - February 2012 - October 2011 - September 2011