Join the early birds
Wednesday 27th April 2011
during International Dawn Chorus Day
Spring brings with it a spellbinding natural symphony, and we can all embrace it by taking part in International Dawn Chorus Day, say The Wildlife Trusts.
On Sunday 1 May 2011, Wildlife Trusts around the UK will be running early events from birdsong breakfasts to walks on urban and rural nature reserves. With expert guides on hand, there will be the chance to learn more about this dawn ritual, including which birds are singing and why.
The dawn chorus is at its loudest the first hour after sunrise - around 5am - so events start early but it is well worth sacrificing a lie-in. Resident UK species like blackbird and songthrush can be heard, along with summer visitors including chiffchaff and nightingale.
On International Dawn Chorus Day we can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature
Bill Oddie, Vice President of The Wildlife Trusts, said:
"During my life I have experienced the dawn chorus all over the world. Africa, India, Australia, North and South America, various parts of Europe and so on. The sounds have been wondrous and various, and the atmosphere has often been magical, but you know what? If I want to experience the best dawn chorus of them all, all I have to do is stay right here, in Britain. Of course, International Dawn Chorus Day isn't some kind of avian song contest, but let's face it, British birds are unbeatable!"
Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said:
“It’s not often we are able to actually hear the startling variety of wildlife that surrounds us, and the trials it faces. The dawn chorus takes place as birds are singing to attract a mate, or to defend territory, with each day bringing a new struggle for survival.
“On International Dawn Chorus Day we can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, but also take time to reflect on the role we can all play in protecting it. This might be through turning our own gardens into wildlife havens, helping to create A Living Landscape or by becoming a member of a local Wildlife Trust.”
Dawn chorus events will take place both on, and around, International Dawn Chorus Day. To find out more about International Dawn Chorus Day visit: idcd.info. Details of The Wildlife Trusts’ events can be found at wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=events:spring:dawnchorusday.
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Image credit: House sparrow by Amy Lewis