Dawn chorus transforms spring mornings in Somerset

Residents of the county are being treated to the dawn chorus as birds take centre stage in what the RSPB calls "nature’s party season."

The symphony is reaching its annual peak, filling early mornings with the sound of birdsong as resident and migratory species join in, with International Dawn Chorus Day just around the corner on Sunday, May 3.

Stephen Couch, RSPB warden at the Ham Wall reserve near Glastonbury, said: "In the woodlands and tree lines at RSPB Ham Wall you’ll hear the songs of blackbird, robin, tits and finches, now joined by the throngs of arriving warblers, such as blackcap, garden warbler, willow warbler and whitethroat.

"The reedbeds fill with the chattering of reed warblers and sedge warblers, which join the resident reed buntings and the cettis warblers with their loud and punchy calls."

The dawn chorus begins building in March and typically reaches its fullest volume in early May.

It is driven by male birds singing to attract mates and establish territory, and grows in intensity as migratory species such as chiffchaff, nightingale, blackcap, and cuckoo arrive in the UK.

Mr Couch said: "Thankfully, you can still hear the beautiful tones of cuckoos at the reserve each year – often nostalgic for visitors who have not heard one for a long time.

"The arriving reed warblers best be vigilant as they are one of the favourite host species for the cuckoo to parasitise.

"The loudest of all the calls must be from the male Bittern.

"The call of this bird is like no other.

"It’s called a 'boom' and can be heard up to five kilometres away.

"It sounds like a person blowing over the top of a huge milk bottle, unmistakable.

"May is also the best month to catch a sighting of these generally secretive birds."

Birdsong expert Adrian Thomas has shared some simple tips for beginners to help identify the most common contributors to the chorus.

The blackbird, a "master soloist," sings rich, confident verses just two to four seconds long.

Robins offer similarly short songs but with a more liquid tone, featuring "gurgles and trickles."

The great tit, known as the "rhythm section," repeats a "teacher teacher" refrain in several different patterns.

Wood pigeons provide the bassline with their deep, lowing calls, while the great spotted woodpecker acts as the percussionist, drumming on hollow wood or telegraph poles to announce territory.

For those less able to rise before dawn, there is still plenty to enjoy.

Birdsong continues throughout the day, and the RSPB recommends simply opening a window or stepping into the garden to listen.

Its experts suggest the best days are warm and still.

For those keen to enjoy the chorus in its full glory, nearby parks and green spaces offer a more immersive experience.

However, the dawn chorus can often be enjoyed from your own back garden or local neighbourhood.

To help the public enjoy this seasonal marvel, many RSPB reserves are hosting guided walks and events to mark International Dawn Chorus Day.

These range from early morning starts for those eager to catch the chorus at its peak, to gentler "Not Quite The Dawn Chorus" events later in the morning.

With spring in full swing and nature at its noisiest, now is the perfect time to set an early alarm and tune in to one of Somerset’s most enchanting wild soundscapes.