BirdWatch Ireland
West Cork Branch
Protecting birds and biodiversity in West Cork
Dawn Chorus 2018
Sunday 13th May
National Dawn Chorus Day is traditionally the day when wildlife enthusiasts the length and breadth of Ireland set their alarm clocks a little earlier than usual and go out to enjoy a morning of beautiful birdsong. Of course, that isn’t the only day on which you can experience the marvel of the dawn chorus; the birds will be in full voice throughout early summer, and the best time to hear them is in the twilight period just before the sun comes up.
What is so special about the dawn chorus? Woodland and garden birds sing throughout the day, so why not just listen to them then? Well, that is certainly a very worthwhile thing to do, but the most amazing thing about the period just before dawn is the sheer number of birds that are singing and the high volume of their songs. People who have never before experienced a full dawn chorus in a woodland park or even a well-wooded garden are often astonished by how many birds seem to be involved. You might think that you have a lot of birds in your garden or local park, but until you hear the dawn chorus you honestly have no idea how many are there.
This year BirdWatch Ireland branches all over the country will be holding guided dawn chorus events on and around the 13th May. Guided dawn chorus are always very popular and are ideal for beginners, so why not come along this year and see what all the fuss is about?
The West Cork Branch is holding its Dawn Chorus event on Sunday 13th May at Long Strand car park, Castlefreke, Clonakilty (Map ref W 323 346 or GPS 51.56084, -8.97574). Meet by 4:30am for a prompt start at 4:45am.
This event is free and open to everyone and the walk will be led by David Rees. The walk will mainly be on hard surface paths, but sturdy footwear is recommended; as is warm clothing. The walk will last an hour or so.
After the event, the “Early Bird Bacon Butty Van” will be on hand to provide bacon butties and refreshments for a small charge.
For further details, please call Nicholas Mitchell at 087 121 5256, e-mail secretary@birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie or visit www.birdwatchirelandwestcork.ie
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