Bird lovers can enjoy a guided walk next month to hear the magical dawn chorus – one of the most recognisable and earliest signs of spring.
The collective twittering and chirps just before dawn as all the birds in the area join together is a unique experience.
Just a few days after national Dawn Chorus Day, the walk will take place on Saturday, May 11 at Bere Marsh Farm, near Shillingstone.
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It will be an early start though with bird enthusiasts needing to be at the farm for a prompt 4.30am start, lasting until 6.30am.
Once the walk has concluded visitors will be able to tuck into a breakfast snack from the farm's onsite café.
Birding expert John Lockwood will be on hand to help identify birdsong unique to each species.
During the walk, participants will have access to areas of the Countryside Regeneration Trust (CRT) property that are not normally open to the public.
Last year, 25 different species of birds were recorded during the event.
CRT’s community engagement manager, Nick Dobbs, said: “Although it's an early start, this is a unique occasion for bird lovers to experience the dawn chorus at the height of the breeding season.
“There is something so inspiring about this - it's like listening to the BBC proms in a natural setting as the birds serenade you as we walk.
“Bird species start singing at different times and there’s a pattern. You will likely hear robins, blackbirds and thrushes first and these will later be joined by the woodpigeons, wrens, sparrows and blue tits and other birds in the area. It’s nature’s orchestra.”
Nick said the reason behind the dawn chorus is all about territories.
He added: “It is usually carried out by the male birds as they demonstrate to the females that they are fit and healthy by producing the loudest songs.
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"They sing early because it’s too dark to look for food and there’s not enough light for most predators to spot them.
“In addition to the guided walk, participants will be able to have a light breakfast from our Buzz Café at Bere Marsh Farm.
"We also recommend everyone wears sturdy waterproof footwear and we suggest bringing binoculars.”
Tickets cost £10 per person or £8 for CRT Friends or volunteers.
To book, see www.thecrt.co.uk/Event/dawn-chorus-with-breakfast
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