We’ve joined forces with RNID to encourage everyone to enjoy birdsong on Sunday 4 May.
International Dawn Chorus Day on Sunday 4 May marks a high point in the birding year and is a celebration of when birdsong is at its brightest and best. This year, we’ve teamed up with RNID – the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus – to encourage everyone to get up early to enjoy nature’s symphony!
Waking up early to catch the dawn chorus and enjoying nature at first light can be an experience that boosts mental health and wellbeing. In 2021, a report by The Mental Health Foundation found that 70% of UK adults agreed being close to nature improves their mood, and almost half (49%) said nature helps them cope with stress.
The dawn chorus can be heard almost everywhere. Whether you go for a walk in nature or just cast your windows open wide, it’s great to start your day with nature.
All you need to know
Working with RNID, we ‘ve put together some guidance that we hope will inspire even more people to enjoy this year’s International Dawn Chorus Day.
Crystal Rolfe, Director of Health at RNID, explains: “Many people with untreated hearing loss say that birdsong is one of the sounds they miss out on most – but is one of the greatest joys to return when they seek help. Because hearing loss often develops gradually, it can be hard to notice at first, which means people sometimes wait longer than they should to get the support they need.
“A quick and easy first-step is to take the free RNID online hearing check which gives you instant results and advice on what to do next. Many people who have taken the check then gone on to address hearing loss tell us they’re overjoyed to hear birds singing again. Taking action on your hearing health can be life-changing - not only for reconnecting with nature but also for overall wellbeing. People become less isolated and their ability to listen and communicate with friends, family and at work also improves.”
One in three adults in the UK has hearing loss, but because it develops gradually, it can be hard to recognise. Everyone should check their hearing regularly, just like you would your teeth or eyes, but if the dawn chorus seems quieter or you’re not hearing as many birds as before, it might be a sign to take action. RNID’s free online hearing check takes just three minutes and will tell you whether you should see a professional: rnid.org.uk/check
Apps like Merlin or BirdNet can identify birds singing in your area – even if you can’t hear them yourself. The apps analyse birdsong in real time and tell you which birds are active around you.
Getting up early to explore nature isn’t only about listening to birdsong. You may notice more wildlife in the quieter hours, be wowed by stunning water colour sunrises, or spot spiders’ webs bejewelled with dewdrops. Notice the fresh, almost green smell in the air as new buds and leaves unfurl. Even kick your shoes and socks off to feel the earth beneath your feet – it can have a powerful grounding effect to start your day.
If you’re concerned about your hearing, getting assessed by an audiologist is important. They may recommend being fitted with hearing aids which for many people can be life changing. Modern hearing aids feature the latest cutting-edge hearing technology and help people pick up bird song frequencies they may have been missing for years.
RNID recommends you check your hearing online every two years, and to see your GP if you’re concerned. Visit rnid.org.uk for more information.
Setting your alarm to wake in nature as the sun rises isn’t purely an audible experience. It can be a multi-sensory nature-wow moment for everyone. In the spring and summer nature feels more alive in the early hours as nocturnal creatures scuttle home, or as others get an early start on the day in the safety and peace of early morning.
David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a broadcaster, writer, naturalist, photographer, public speaker, and tour leader.
He said: “I am profoundly deaf in my left ear due to a bad case of mumps as a kid. Having hearing loss does not mean that you can’t still experience nature. Wearing hearing aids can help but otherwise get yourself outside into nature and use your other senses. There is so much to enjoy!”
David shares his journey of being profoundly deaf in one ear, how this impacted on his experience of the natural world, and the tools he has found to help.
The RSPB’s Morwenna Alldis answers all your questions!
As daylight hours increase in the spring, wildlife has one thing on its mind – the need to attract a mate and breed. And none announce this primal function more loudly and proudly than male songbirds. They start singing as the very first chinks of dawn emerge, to both attract a mate and mark their territories.
The song they belt out from puffed-up feathery chests is one that signals to all the female birds, ‘Look at me, I’m strong and healthy, I survived the night, Pick me and I’ll give you healthy, strong, survivor fledglings.’ Whilst, to all the nearby males their song declares, ‘This patch is mine.’
Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Robins are among the first to rise, starting the dawn chorus when the air is still, and the lights are low. Popular songsters like Wrens and warblers, such as Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers, then gradually join in, as do Wood Pigeons.
Which bird species you can identify depends on where you are based, if you live near water, you may enjoy wading birds adding to the orchestra. If you’re near lowland heathland, you’re more likely to encounter Yellowhammer, Linnet and the ever-present Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. If you are lucky, perhaps Dartford Warbler and Woodlark. And if you are out super early in the morning Nightjar will often churr before first light as well as at dusk.
For woodland birds, tune into Robin, Song Thrush and Blackbird. Again, if you’re lucky, Pied Flycatchers and, on the edges of woodland, Redstarts may join in too. Wood Warblers and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are also possible, but they are sadly scarcer in many parts of the country nowadays. Each species has its own song, creating a wonderful, varied and rich tapestry of music to start your day.
The male birds also specifically choose dawn to serenade as it’s safer – harder for predators to spot their location in the low light. Plus, it’s a more efficient use of their time – most songbirds feed by sight, so it’s pointless hunting for insects or seeds when the light is so low.
But also, nature wonderfully stirs this urge specifically at first light because it’s quieter and the air is usually still. In fact, birdsong has been shown to carry 20 times further at dawn, making all that effort to attract a mate much more worthwhile.
Many reserves are hosting special events to help you enjoy birdsong this year.
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