Be an early bird
Experience the Dawn Chorus at an RSPB Scotlandnature reserve
Getting up at dawn on a Sunday isn’t everyone’s idea of alazy weekend.
But as part of International Dawn Chorus Day on May 5, RSPBScotland is offering visitors in Dumfries and Galloway, the rare chance toenjoy one of the wonders of nature.
“Birds tend to sing at dawn in the spring, probably becauseit’s so quiet, and it’s the time of day when their song will travel thefurthest. When you hear all these different birds singing their hearts out and competingwith each other from all different directions, with the sun just coming up… theonly description I can think of is magical.”
At all the events, an RSPB Scotland officer will be on handto help pick out the different songs from the chorus, which could includedozens of species.
The events are running at:
Crook of Baldoon nature reserve, from 5.30-7.30 (Saturday 27April and 4 May) 01988 402130 www.rspb.org.uk/crookofbaldoon
Mersehead nature reserve, from 5am-7am followed by a Continentalbreakfast (Saturday 5 May) www.rspb.org.uk/mersehead
Wood of Cree nature reserve, from 5.30am-7.30am (Monday 6May) 01988 402130 www.rspb.org.uk/woodofcree
There is a small charge for the walks, and booking isessential. You can find out more by phoning the reserves, or visiting theirindividual pages on the RSPB website.
If you have any binoculars, please bring them along, and it’salways advisable to wear stout shoes and come prepared for the unpredictableScottish climate.
Notes