The early birds

Take a walk early on a spring morning and you’ll be rewarded with one of nature’s most spectacular symphonies: the dawn chorus. Even before the sun rises, birds of all shapes and sizes begin calling out to mark their territory and attract a mate. The result, especially around this time of year, is an almost unbelievably complex – and loud – soundtrack for your early morning ramble.

Click here to listen to an excerpt from the dawn chorus recorded last spring…

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Since 1984, various organisations in the UK and around the world have been marking the annual peak with walks, breakfasts and other events that reward early risers. This has now culminated with the excellent International Dawn Chorus Day website, which lets you search for events in your area throughout late April and into May. You can also organise and list your own – the perfect way to encourage new people to get up, get out and discover the joys of walking. Depending on where you live, the birds you’re most likely to hear are the following – in order of appearance. Click on each to learn more and listen to their songs…

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Robin

Wren

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Chaffinch

Common Pheasant

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Song Thrush

Greenfinch

Dunnock

Goldfinch

Sparrow

Dunnock

Goldfinch

Sparrow

For more, check the BBC’s excellent series of audio programmes from 2007 – which includes guides to identifying and recording birdsong, plus an interview with Bill Oddie and links to all manner of bird-related organisations. The International Dawn Chorus Day website also contains an alternate recording of sunrise in the New Forest, plus audio samples of various birds singing together. Enjoy this year’s dawn chorus, and remember to post any pictures to our Flickr group – we’d love to see them!

Main image submitted to walk Flickr group by Frances Wilson.