One of thing we can do, and that is encouraged, during the shelter-in-place order is to get out and walk, as long as we obey the social distancing order. While you are out walking, you might want to try bird watching.
According to an article in Consumer Affairs, "a new study finds that bird watching can have a positive effect on mental health. Researchers in Great Britain found that people who can watch birds from their homes have a lower risk for depression, stress, and anxiety compared to people who live in less leafy areas with fewer birds." In fact, the researchers also found that "people reported higher levels of depression and anxiety when they had to spend more time indoors than usual in the previous week." I think we can all relate to that situation.
The library has several e-books on bird watching that you can check out remotely. Here are a couple of guides:
Here are a couple of stories of people's travels around the country, or the world, bird watching. Obviously we can't do that right now, but you may get vicarious pleasure from traveling with them via their stories:
Here's a title that will help you welcome wild birds to your garden:
This title has a more humorous view of bird watching:
The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America
And Universal Class, our database of courses on over 500 classes you can take remotely, has a short class on bird watching and feeding as well as an introduction to wildlife rehabilitation. Just create an account and search for what you want to learn.
