What a magical way to start the day…

On Sunday morning, more than 20 people joined us for our Birdsong at Sunrise walk in Cox’s Meadow.

We met outside Meadow Café at 5am and set off in small groups, walking slowly through the area and stopping regularly to listen as the dawn chorus gradually built with the rising sun.

There was a real sense of slowing down – taking time to pause, notice and listen. Over the course of the walk, we heard at least 27 different bird species, including two types of Woodpecker, a Reed bunting, a Redstart and a Cuckoo, alongside more familiar birds such as robins and blackbirds.

At the far end of the walk, we were met by a table set up by Felicity’s husband Andy, with tea, coffee and biscuits – a welcome chance to warm up and chat before heading back.

It was a really lovely way to start a Sunday morning, and a reminder of how much is happening around us if we take a little time to notice it.

Dawn Chorus Day

Next Sunday is International Dawn Chorus Day, so it’s a great opportunity to step outside early and listen to the birds wherever you are.

If you’d like help identifying what you hear, the free Merlin Bird ID app can be really useful – but you don’t need to know the names to enjoy it.