The Dawn Chorus. Worth it?
Dawn Chorus at the Local Nature Reserve (a former tip site!)
Are you a dawn chorus regular or are you considering braving that achingly early alarm for the first time?
In my latest video, I’m sharing some recordings of the dawn chorus that I made last year at a local nature reserve (a brilliant spot that actually used to be the local tip!).
I've mixed the audio with some lovely local visuals taken at the same time of year. Listen closely, and you might catch one of the really special encounters from that particular morning: the song of a Garden Warbler. It’s a really special birdsong for me, and I hope it brings a bit of calm to your day as well.
Go forth and listen
Whatever your experience or interest levels, the dawn chorus really is something that you have to hear to believe. A truly spectacular marvel to bear witness to, and to enjoy it at its fullest, you have to be willing to set that alarm clock a little earlier than usual.
For my part, I think you need to head out a good hour before sunrise to truly absorb the stillness and calmness of the morning. To appreciate the quiet and calm as the birdsong starts to build. Enjoy the growth in volume and variety, eventually reaching an epic, beautiful crescendo just before the sun breaks the horizon.
It is such a magical thing to enjoy. It’s memorable, peaceful, and if I’m perfectly honest, quite addictive!
Missed it? Don't Give Yourself a Hard Time
Obviously, getting up in time for the dawn chorus in the spring is tough because the sunrises get earlier and earlier. And if you miss the official International Dawn Chorus Day, don't give yourself a hard time.
The beauty of the dawn chorus is that there is plenty of opportunity to experience it throughout May (and starting in early April, if you are planning ahead for next year!).
Finding Magic Close to Home
You don't always have to travel far to experience this morning magic. Moving to our rooftop bedroom over the last year has been incredibly special. With the rooftop windows open we’ve been able to enjoy the local birdsong at its most epic without even getting out of bed! It’s been quite spectacular and wasn't necessarily something I was expecting to encounter.
If you sleep through the sunrise alarm, why not head to a local woodland patch later in the morning. You can still hear plenty of beautiful birdsong and natural sounds. Sometimes you have to contend with background noise like the housing development near my local walk but you soon learn to tune out the distractions and tune into the natural environment instead. Find your local patch and just enjoy it.
"Tune into the natural sounds... find your local woodland patch and enjoy that."
Looking to capture your own spring spectaculars? Check out our upcoming Seasonal Photo Walks and learn to get the best from your camera, whatever the season.
