Next weekend, TV viewers across Europe will be tuning in for the annual glitter and Lycra-fest that is the Eurovision Song Contest. I’m sure that many of the songs will be up to the usual high/low (delete as applicable) standards that we come to expect, and that there will be at least one among them that is worthy of a second listen.
While I’m sure Eurovision will appeal to some of you, I recommend heading out to enjoy International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday morning or joining us at Minsmere for our very own song contest. There will be more feathers, more glamour, less Lycra, and a more varied, tuneful mix of songs.
Our participants will include a mix of local residents and entries that have joined us from as far away as South Africa and their prize is not the glory and fame of pop stardom but the far more important prize of attracting a mate and ensuring the continued survival of their species.
You don’t need a TV licence to enjoy our contest, either. Simply take a leisurely walk around the reserve, enjoying fresh air and exercise, and listen.
There’s no commentary from Graham Norton to help you identify each participant at Minsmere. However, we have an even better option available. Why not join our volunteer guides David and Charles at 7 am on a Tuesday morning as they introduce you to the Sounds of Spring – we even include a light breakfast in the cost of these popular guided walks, which take place every Tuesday in May.
Alternatively, you could join David and Nick at 4 am on Saturday 11 May, or Andy and myself at 4 am on Saturday 18 May, as we bring you the Minsmere Dawn Chorus Experience in all its wonder and glory, followed by a delicious full English breakfast.
[Please note that spaces are limited on all these walks, and advance booking is essential.]
So, who are the stars of the show? The running order remains fluid, and some artists may refuse to appear, but here’s just a selection of the stars who are booked to perform.
First up on the Woodland Stage, we hope to hear the incredibly rich and varied notes of a Nightingale. So eager is this popular favourite to win your vote that he may be singing from the car park entrance even before you arrive!
Nightingale by Peter Norfolk
Also vying for your vote are several contestants from the famous Warbler Family. Garden Warbler, and the closely related Blackcap will challenge you on the Woodland Stage. Their songs are so similar that you’ll struggle to decide between them. Not so the Chiffchaff, who is so proud of his name that he sings it on repeat!
Garden Warbler by Steve Everett
More familiar talent on the Woodland Stage includes the exuberant Wren, enthusiastic Robin, cheery Chaffinch and the busy Tit Family, backed up by the Great Spotted Woodpecker on percussion and the Woodpigeon on electric drums [remember the theme tune to the cartoon Pigeon Street?].
Around the margins of the Woodland Stage, the Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat add a skiffle-like scratchiness to the soundscape, while on the Dune Stage they are joined by the equally scratchy Stonechats and twittering Linnets.
The Warbler Family are to the fore on the Reedbed Stage too, led by the ever-enthusiastic Sedge Warbler and backed up by the more reluctant Reed Warbler. They’re joined by the excitable but shy Cetti’s Warbler and quiet repetitive Reed Bunting. On percussion there’s the Bearded Tit on triangle and the deep throaty boom of the Bittern, along with the occasional onomatopoeic notes of the Cuckoo, the squeal of a Water Rail, or the whinnying cry of Little Grebe.
Sedge Warbler by Steve Everett
The Scrape Stage offers a more alternative soundscape to enjoy, dominated by the raucous cries of Black-headed Gulls and the higher pitched notes of Common and Sandwich Terns, or perhaps the descant Little Tern. Avocets join in with characteristic “Kluut” while Black-tailed Godwits bicker and Oystercatchers shout their presence for everyone to hear.
Of course, not everyone is joining in with this concert. Many are prepared to just sit on the sidelines and watch, enjoying the free bar and food or offering support to their more vocal neighbours, or to heckle from time to time.
Among these “hangers on” are a variety of waders around the Scrape Stage – Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Turnstone, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank and Common Sandpiper – and several taller catwalk models including Little Egret, Grey Heron and Spoonbill.
Looking down on all the action from their drones above the stages the paparazzi are ready to pounce for the kill. Among them are Marsh Harriers, Buzzards, Kestrels and Hobbies, with the latter targeting the smallest guests: damselflies and St Mark’s flies are particular favourites.
Hobby by Steve Everett
Why not get out early and enjoy your own local dawn chorus – even the City Stage can bring surprises such as the repetitive Song Thrush, raucous Ring-necked Parakeet or honking Canada Goose – and let us know what you hear.