British Birds time their breeding season to the warmest part of the year, when there is plenty of food and lots of daylight in which to find it. As winter turns to spring, the lengthening daylight switches the songs of the male birds into breeding mode.
The first songsters of the British season are the residents such as Robins and Great Tits, joined later on by migrants like Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps to make May and June the peak time to enjoy the dawn chorus.
In early mornings, birds all begin to sing about an hour before sunrise. If you listen carefully, you may notice that there is a regular sequence, with some species habitually starting before others. Among the earliest to raise in British birds are Skylarks, Song Thrushes, Robins and Blackbirds. A more relaxed approach is taken by Wrens and Warblers, which typically appear later. These smaller British birds, who are perhaps more sensitive to the coldness of dawn, feed on insects that themselves appear later in the morning.
The dim light of dawn is not a good time to go foraging. Food, like insects and seeds, may be difficult to find, so perhaps it's a better time to try and attract a mate. Singing, for birds, also brings the risk of attracting predator birds, so it is better done before the bright morning light betrays the bird singer's position. The air is often still at this time and, with less background noise, so song can carry up to 20 times further. As the light strengthens food becomes easier to find, so hungry birds begin to move off and the chorus gradually diminishes. There is another chorus at dusk, which is considered quieter, though some birds - like Tree Sparrows and Blue Tits – seem to prefer to sing at this time of day. It may simply be that we take less notice of it than the dawn chorus, when we are so keen to enjoy a few more moments in bed!
If you want to listen to a dawn chorus, then the best days to choose are those with fine, clear weather and little wind. It can be cold early in the morning, so remember to take warm clothes. Late April through to early June is the best period, when most species are singing well.
Dawn chorus peaks half-an-hour before to half-an-hour after sunrise, but the variety of bird songs can prove too confusing at that time, so why not get into position a good hour before sunrise, and enjoy the arrival of the performers as each takes their turn on stage.
Special Note
This year because it has been so dry it is very important to leave some water out in your garden for birds to drink and bathe in.
