Dawn chorus already

[annmaria]

Jeff what a simple but lovely idea , I miss getting up early to have the birds to my self ( Waiting for the garden to dry out ), at least I thought it was just me I never realized so many people were up enjoying the birdies. I love to start the day that way ( evening as well once it goes quiet ) so it makes perfect sense for poorly children and adults.

[Cotham Marble]

[quote=JeffH;226700
Also, in Derwent May's 'Feather Report' feature he says "I have just heard my first Blackbird of the year singing......The bird I heard was a very early singer, and there will not be many singing for a while yet. But the first-year males will start listening to the older birds and, as they learn how to sing like a true Blackbird, those that have managed to acquire a territory will add their voices"
Jeff[/QUOTE]

All three traditional mating territories around me were being contested in song today - one mature male standing out first thing but two yearlings were also putting up a sustained effort by the end of the day - though the previously very comical local dialect seems to have gone a bit sophisticated with previous years' dribbly whistles being replaced by a more sing song approach.

CM

[ChrisJB]

I heard my first local Blackbird on the 29th Jan', which is very early hereabouts. Normally they start between the 15th and 20th Feb'. It was 'at it' again late this afternoon and sounded magnificent!

Regards, Chris

[JeffH]

Yes, things do seem to be really picking up now and our garden singers have been joined by a Song Thrush for the last few mornings - isn't it uplifting on these still dark mornings

Jeff