International Dawn Chorus Day

Credit: Vine House Farm

This global event began right here in 1987 when wildlife enthusiast and local broadcaster Chris Baines, decided to celebrate his birthday by inviting friends and family to listen to wildlife wake up with him at Moseley Bog. The event grew and was promoted by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country, where Chris Baines was Vice-President. The annual event now takes place on the first Sunday of May and hundreds of events are organised around the world.

Click here to read more about the birds you might hear and how to identify their songs.

Blue tit emerging from nest

Blue tit emerging from nest. Credit: Amy Lewis

This year we can't host any events due to social distancing because of the Coronavirus but you can throw open your windows or step into your garden around 04:30 when the song birds awake to hear blackbirds and robins, chaffinch, song thrush or willow warbler. 

It's a magical reminder that the natural world lives its life all around us, every day, whether we listen or not.  With fewer cars on the road, the dawn chorus is clearer than ever.