PRESS RELEASE

28th April 2008

CHESHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST CELEBRATES NATURE’S OWN CHOIR

Cheshire Wildlife Trust is inviting the county to enjoy a private concert by nature’s own choir on Sunday 4 May as the world celebrates National Dawn Chorus day.

The Trust is encouraging nature lovers to join in the annual celebration of the world’s oldest wake up call by rising at day break and letting the sounds of bird song into their bedrooms.

The sweet sounds of the dawn chorus, dubbed as ‘nature’s daily miracle’ is at its peak at the beginning of May and the songs heard are those from the county’s resident birds but also of visiting birds that are returning for the summer months, like chaffinches and warblers.

Blackbirds, robins and skylarks are the first to pipe up at about 5am, and although they can continue to sing until mid-morning, the Trust advise that its best to hear them early in the crisp morning air and before the sounds of daily life overbear the bird song.

Sue Tatman, the Trust’s wildlife gardening officer says, “The dawn chorus is one of nature’s most beautiful sounds but is all too often missed while we are sleeping.

“It’s particularly tuneful at this time of year as male birds are defending their territories and trying to attract mates. The combination of our resident species and returning visitors makes the dawn chorus something not to be missed. We hope that people across the county will take this opportunity to join the early birds, if only briefly on Sunday, to hear the awe inspiring symphony of bird song and take a moment to appreciate the wealth of wildlife at home in our county.

Cheshire Wildlife Trust works to protect wildlife and its environment to ensure that future generations can enjoy the biodiversity in the region today. To find out more about the work of the charity visit www.cheshirewildlifetrust.co.uk

Top five players in the dawn chorus:
Blackbird – noisy birds with a loudwarbling flute-like song and a chatter when disturbed.
Chaffinch – cheerful-sounding birds with a metallic ‘pink-pink’, which varies in dialect according to region.
Robin – birds with a rich ‘warblilng’ song described as mournful in winter but cheerful in spring.
Great Tits – a wide range of loud calls including a distinctive ‘teacher teacher’ song.
Starling – highly vocal birds with a chattering, whistling chorus. Starlings sometimes mimic other birds and sounds.

Ends