While it definitely still feels a bit nippy for the time of year, especially in the mornings, spring has finally sprung, writes Erin McDaid of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
As we head into May, we’ve got a magical month ahead of us in which to appreciate all the delights Mother Nature has to offer.
Meadows and verges will be resplendent with wild flowers, migratory birds arriving from afar to set up home for the breeding season and bees, butterflies and other invertebrates on the wing — at least when its warm enough.
There’s plenty to take in, but for me the star of the show is unquestionably the dawn chorus.
With the bird breeding season progressing towards its peak, the sheer variety of bird species and the numbers gathering to use their song mark out territory or make a pitch for partner combines to create one to natural wonder.
Although bird song can be heard through much of the day at this time of year, early mornings offer by far the best opportunity to hear a wide range of species singing their hearts out.
For those willing to set their alarms early enough, the experience of listening to birds just after dawn is special.
While the dawn chorus can be enjoyed in the comfort of a suburban garden — or even from the warmth of your bed if you throw the windows open — a trip to a local woodland, nature reserve or park with a mix of habitats, will pay back in spades.
Bird song is said to travel up to 20 times further in the still of the morning air with little background noise to out compete it, but to make the most of it you’ll really need to be in position as early as possible — 5am if you can stomach it.
I prefer to get in position early, preferably sat with a warm drink in hand, to catch the earliest performers including robins, thrushes and blackbirds.
Unlike a music gig, while these are up first, they are no mere support act. They are three talented songsters you really don’t want to miss.
Once you’ve enjoyed the opening overture, the soundscape builds as other talents join in including warblers such as chiff chaff, willow warbler and blackcap.
I am sadly no expert on bird song, but while I might not be able to identify precisely which birds are singing at any one point, the variety of sounds and notes is breathtaking. Experiencing the dawn chorus with an expert adds another dimension but this is one natural experience that doesn’t require expert knowledge to enjoy.
By 6.30am some would say the chorus has peaked and the sheer wall of sound is staggering.
Feeling virtuous or smug, depending on your mindset, you can head off for an early breakfast still accompanied by a backdrop of bird song that at any other time of year would be considered the headline act.
Alternatively, you can head back to bed knowing you’ve savoured one of the UK’s best wild encounters.
I am particularly looking forward to it this year as it will be the first I’ll enjoy with my digital hearing aids.
Having experienced tinnitus, I was referred to the hearing clinic by my GP and was surprised to learn that I could no longer pick up some high frequencies and needed hearing aids in both ears.
Earlier this year I was delighted when the Trust was approached to work with the RNID to promote World Hearing Day and the benefits of hearing checks.
According to the RNID, 76% of people enjoy hearing bird song and 68% believe that hearing birdsong and nature is important to maintaining wellbeing but sadly, one in five of us have hearing loss and the high-pitched notes of birds can be amongst the first things to go.
Their campaign encourages more folk to get their hearing checked — I’m so glad I did and I’ll be popping fresh batteries into my hearing aids before I head out to take in the 2024 dawn chorus.
Where to experience the Dawn Chorus with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust:
Attenborough Nature Reserve — On Sunday, May 5, from 5am and 9am we’re hosting a dawn chorus for beginners event — a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this natural wonder in the company of an expert who can help you identify the different songbirds — making it an even more memorable experience. To top off the experience, guests will be treated to breakfast in the Nature Centre.
Idle Valley Nature Reserve — On Saturday, May 11, from 5.15am to 7.45am we’ll then host a dawn chorus walk at our largest site, the spectacular Idle Valley Nature Reserve near Retford.
For further details of both events visit the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust website.
