Does anyone else keep getting woken up at 5am by the birds at the moment?
When that feathered alarm clock goes off, it's tempting just to reach for the earplugs and try and snatch back a bit more sleep until the real one goes off. But somewhere deep down we know we're missing one of nature's greatest events. A chorus of wild, unseen voices heralding the morning sun in rare, mystical unison: what could be more magical than that?
Here at RSPB HQ, we've been dipping into Hattie Garlick's lovely book Born to be Wild for inspiration on fun (achievable) outdoor activities for families. On page 54, she supplies first-hand tips on how to coax little ones out of bed to hear the dawn chorus. It is possible - or so we're told.
These rules might be meant for kids, but I'm sure they work for grown-ups too.
Why do birds sing?
The dawn chorus doesn't happen all year: it's a phenomenon particular to the months of March to July. This is when birds are in breeding mode, which means securing a territory and attracting a mate. Female birds love a good singer as much as the next girl, so what you're hearing are males competing to show off their pipes.
But why sing at dawn, you may well ask? Scientists have three answers.
1) Singing risks giving away your position to a predator, so it's best done in low light. Crafty.
2) Sound travels further at dawn when the air is still and there's less background noise.
3) Plus, it's harder to forage for insects and seeds in the dark, so it's time better spent singing.
The early bird
The dawn chorus is at its peak half an hour before and half an hour after sunrise. And, as a piece of music might start with a solo violin, before being joined one by one by the rest of the orchestra, so the dawn chorus has a regular sequence.
Robins, blackbirds and song thrushes begin, then the wrens and warblers join in. Finally, come the chaffinches, goldfinches and sparrows. It's thought that, because this last group have smaller eyes, they need more light to find food.
By late summer, the dawn chorus will have petered out as birds pair up and focus their energies on raising young. So if you hear a lone voice ringing out in the grey, morning light, it's probably a lonely bachelor who didn't pass the auditions round. Better luck next year...
And, if you REALLY can't resist that extra hour in bed, you can listen to this recording of the dawn chorus instead.
Events