‘Songsick’ - Sightings, 23 Apr

Not exactly homesickness, more like ‘songsickness’! - Birdsong that is. Ay, my holiday was very nice and everything, but just much, much quieter than I’m used to.

Today I’m very glad to say, Old Moor’s lanes were anything but quiet. Here’s what was heard – and seen.

We are very lucky here in the Dearne Valley. With upwards of fifty species of bird currently residing at Old Moor, the birdsong is extremely rich. Everything from the thinnest ‘seep’ of a goldcrest to the ridiculously bass ‘booming’ of a bittern.

And it just so happens that Sunday 28 April there is an event that celebrates that incredible richness. For early risers, there are two guided walks planned where you can experience one of the wonders of the season – the dawn chorus. All the details can be found here and booking can be done online, through the eventbrite website.

I’ll finish off tonight with another ‘sound’ tip (sorry). If you want to find the song of the lesser whitethroat at the moment, just listen out for it near the bridge over Knoll Beck, to the rear of the car park. Visitors reported several of these smaller warblers adding their distinctive voices to the spring chorus throughout the day.

Until next time.