The RSPB at Weymouth Wetlands nature reserve is celebrating International Dawn Chorus Day next Saturday, May 5, with a walk around Radipole Lake and an introduction to bird song.

If you’ve ever wondered why birds sing or found it difficult to tell a robin’s song from a dunnock’s or a great tit from a chiffchaff, this is the event for you.

But you’ll have to be ‘Up before the lark’, with a 4.30am start to catch the best of this sound extravaganza.

“Learning a bird’s song can make it easier to find the bird itself,” said Weymouth Wetlands information officer Luke Phillips. “Once you can identify the song, you’ll have a better idea of where to look and what you’re looking for.”

It will be well worth the early start as a mini master class in bird song and there will also be time to chat with RSPB guides afterwards over breakfast, included in the admission price.

Last year’s dawn chorus walk was a great success. As well as the expected delights of the sounds of warblers and other songbirds in full voice, the walkers were also treated to some quite unexpected sights, including a very rare bird called a night heron.

Luke added: “It just goes to show what you can see and hear if you get out and about early enough and our walkers certainly seemed to enjoy themselves and the breakfast that followed.”

Free binocular hire is available and booking is essential. The event costs £3 for members; £6 for non-members; children free. Please phone the Radipole Lake visitor centre on 01305 778313.

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