Who is your top British songster?

In my humble opinion the Blackcap has one of the finest voices of any British bird giving the secretive Nightingale a run for its money for the top spot. The power and passion that this little glossy capped warbler puts into every performance is a joy to behold and a sure highlight of any dawn chorus.

Which of course leads my nicely onto a plug for our three May Dawn Chorus events on the 13th, 20th and 27th.  A nice early start, then birdsong and a hearty breakfast to follow. Magic!  For more info and to book please ring 01708 899851.

(Both by Basil Thornton)

(Les Harrison)

So who would you put at the top?  My top ten would be.....

• Blackcap: rich, powerful, mellifluous, sweet and uplifting. A bird with heart.
• Nightingale: multi-tonal, mechanical at times, heart trembling and evocative of night-time
• Skylark: unquestionably beautiful. The singing sky.
• Garden Warbler: super fast, rich and babbling, more complicated than it sounds
• Tree Pipit: changing pitch and tone in a cascading parachute drop
• Blackbird: the perfect early wake up... everyone is slightly different
• Marsh Warbler: expertly mimicking with a taste of its African wintering grounds
• Woodlark: mournfully spiralling over clearfell
• Nightjar: a rolling multi-directional churr across a misty heath
• Whooper Swans: dueting. Life long love.

and they are in no particular order.Look forward to hearing your nominees!

23-4-12