A Dawn Chorus event where those with no knowledge of birds are especially welcome

Birdwatch Cavan to host free event in Staghall this Sunday morning

Anyone with even a passing interest in birds or nature are in for a real treat this weekend as Birdwatch Cavan host a Dawn Chorus walk.

The free event is will be held this Sunday at Turbet Island in Belturbet, and is the first of two exciting events hosted by the local branch this month.

As we enter May the competition to find a spouse or defend a territory heats up and the birds are in full throat. The symphony that ensues at first light and last light is Irish nature's version of the 'wall of sound'.

You don't need to have any expertise or knowledge on birds to head along, just a willingness to get up with the lark to appreciate the wonders of nature on your doorstep.

Chairperson of the local branch, Tom Broe, assures that people who know very little or nothing at all are "especially welcome" to come along.

"Often people with very little knowledge of a subject ask questions that are very pertinent or make you rethink how you view something.

"Like someone might ask why do birds sing from prominent perches or what impact ash die back will have on nesting birds as the leaf cover in hedgerows will be reduced. Come along to hear possible answers."

A seasoned bird enthusiast, Tom gives helpful tips in distinguishing between the various competing songs to decipher out what you are listening to.

"Focus on what is singing close to you and try to see what makes it distinct," he advises. "Are there lots of different notes? Is the song coming from low in the bush or high in a tree? Is there any repetition? Is it a clear sound or is it scratchy? Are there long pauses, or is the song repeated regularly? Is it really loud or more subtle?

"I strongly encourage people to listen out in the mornings to the birds in their garden or on their street and once you are familiar with about a handful of the more common birds, it gets much easier to identify others."

This Sunday morning's event will be held at Turbet Island, Belturbet. They have a 6am start; so they ask people to arrive for 5.45am. Meet at Turbet Island Car Park (entrance opposite Daybreak on the R197; less than 1km from the Staghall roundabout.

Cavan Birdwatch will also host a Dawn Chorus Walk at Castle Lake in Bailieborough on Sunday, May 11. Meet at 4.15am for 4.30am start at the lakeshore car park at Lear.

What can those with a passing interest in nature expect to get out of these Dawn Chorus morning events?

"It's a relaxing morning walk with people who enjoy the outdoors and there is tea and snacks after. They might get tips for other nice places to walk, have wildflowers identified for them or they might return home with a newfound interest for the birds in their garden."

For all Birdwatch Cavan events, wear warm clothes. No dogs please. Tea and biscuits afterwards.