- The RSPB in Surrey has joined forces with the RNID – the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss and tinnitus, to encourage everyone to get up early and immerse themselves in nature to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day, this Sunday 4 May.
- The charities have teamed up to show how everyone can join the celebration – including the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.
- RNID shares simple tips and tools and shows how taking control of your hearing can help people connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors and experience birdsong.
- Increasing evidence shows a greater connection with nature can improve health and wellbeing, for example: combating low mood, lowering blood pressure and reducing stress and anxiety.
The UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB, is looking forward to nature’s biggest free symphony this week, as International Dawn Chorus Day returns on Sunday 4th May.
This year residents in Surrey are being reminded to set their alarms early to enjoy the rich experience of nature waking up across the county.
This May the RSPB has joined forces with RNID, the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, to encourage everyone to wake like the proverbial ‘early bird’. Because getting out into nature with the first light of day, and engaging all your senses, is an experience that can boost positive mental health and wellbeing.
The Mental Health Foundation’s 2021 report, ‘How connecting with nature benefits our mental health‘, found that 70% of UK adults agreed being close to nature improves their mood, and almost half (49%) said nature helps them cope with stress.
This is why the RSPB has sought guidance from the charity RNID to help people who are deaf or have hearing loss or tinnitus, also get the most out of a Dawn Chorus experience this year.
Crystal Rolfe, Director of Health at RNID, said: “Many people with untreated hearing loss say that birdsong is one of the sounds they miss out on most – but is one of the greatest joys to return when they seek help. Because hearing loss often develops gradually, it can be hard to notice at first, which means people sometimes wait longer than they should to get the support they need.
“A quick and easy first-step is to take the free RNID online hearing check which gives you instant results and advice on what to do next. Many people who have taken the check then gone on to address hearing loss tell us they’re overjoyed to hear birds singing again.
“Taking action on your hearing health can be life-changing – not only for reconnecting with nature but also for overall wellbeing. People become less isolated and their ability to listen and communicate with friends, family and at work also improves.”
Top tips from RNID and RSPB to enjoy International Dawn Chorus Day
For many people, missing the high-pitched calls and trills of birds is a common sign of untreated hearing loss, and not being able to hear as many birds as you used to could be a sign that hearing needs to be checked. Here are four top tips from RNID and RSPB for making the most of the Dawn Chorus.
Take RNID’s free online hearing check
One in three adults in the UK has hearing loss, but because it develops gradually, it can be hard to recognise. Everyone should check their hearing regularly, just like you would your teeth or eyes, but if the dawn chorus seems quieter or you’re not hearing as many birds as before, it might be a sign to take action. RNID’s free online hearing check takes just three minutes and will tell you whether you should see a professional: rnid.org.uk/check
Use a bird identification app
Apps like Merlin or BirdNet can identify birds singing in your area – even if you can’t hear them yourself. The apps analyse birdsong in real time and tell you which birds are active around you.
Engage all your senses to experience the early morning
Getting up early to explore nature isn’t only about listening to birdsong. You may notice more wildlife in the quieter hours, be wowed by stunning water colour sunrises, or spot spiders’ webs bejewelled with dewdrops. Notice the fresh, almost green smell in the air as new buds and leaves unfurl. Even kick your shoes and socks off to feel the earth beneath your feet – it can have a powerful grounding effect to start your day.
Explore the latest hearing aid technology
If you’re concerned about your hearing, getting assessed by an audiologist is important. They may recommend being fitted with hearing aids which for many people can be life changing. Modern hearing aids feature the latest cutting-edge hearing technology and help people pick up bird song frequencies they may have been missing for years.
RNID recommends you check your hearing online every two years, and to see your GP if you’re concerned. Visit rnid.org.uk for more information. [see editors notes 1 for RNID case study]
David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, is a broadcaster, writer, naturalist, photographer, public speaker, and tour leader. He said: “I am profoundly deaf in my left ear due to a bad case of mumps as a kid. Having hearing loss does not mean that you can’t still experience nature. Wearing hearing aids can help but otherwise get yourself outside into nature and use your other senses. There is so much to enjoy!” For more info visit: theurbanbirderworld.com
Why do birds sing early in the morning in Spring and Summer?
RSPB’s Morwenna Alldis explains: “International Dawn Chorus Day is a highlight of nature’s calendar. As daylight hours increase in the spring, wildlife has one thing on its mind – the need to attract a mate and breed. And none announce this primal function more loudly and proudly than male songbirds. They start singing as the very first chinks of dawn emerge, to both attract a mate and mark their territories.
“The song they belt out from puffed-up feathery chests is one that signals to all the female birds, ‘look at me, I’m strong and healthy, I survived the night, pick me and I’ll give you healthy, strong, survivor fledglings’. Whilst, to all the nearby males their song declares, ‘this patch is mine’”.
Song Thrushes, Blackbirds and Robins are among the first to rise, starting the dawn chorus when the air is still, and the lights are low. Popular songsters like Wrens and warblers, such as Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Willow Warblers then gradually join in, as do Wood Pigeons.
Which bird species you can identify depends on where you are based, if you live near water, you may enjoy wading birds adding to the orchestra. If you’re near lowland heathland, you’re more likely to encounter Yellowhammer, Linnet and the ever-present Stonechat and Meadow Pipit. If you are lucky, perhaps Dartford Warbler and Woodlark. And if you are out super early in the morning Nightjar will often churr before first light as well as at dusk.
For woodland birds, tune into Robin, Song Thrush and Blackbird. Again, if you’re lucky, Pied Flycatchers and, on the edges of woodland, Redstarts may join in too. Wood Warblers and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are also possible, but they are sadly scarcer in many parts of the country nowadays. Each species has its own song, creating a wonderful, varied and rich tapestry of music to start your day.
Morwenna continues: “The male birds also specifically choose dawn to serenade as it’s safer – harder for predators to spot their location in the low light. Plus, it’s a more efficient use of their time – most songbirds feed by sight, so it’s pointless hunting for insects or seeds when the light is so low. But also, nature wonderfully stirs this urge specifically at first light because it’s quieter and the air is usually still. In fact, birdsong has been shown to carry 20 times further at dawn, making all that effort to attract a mate much more worthwhile.”
For the RSPB’s top tips on how to enjoy the dawn chorus, visit:bit.ly/RSPBDawnChorusDay
The Dawn Chorus isn’t just an audible experience
Setting your alarm to walk in nature as the sun rises isn’t purely an audible experience. It can be a multisensory nature-wow moment for everyone. In the spring and summer nature feels more alive in the early hours as nocturnal creatures scuttle home, or as others get an early start on the day in the safety and peace of early morning.
Morwenna describes: “I’ve had some of my most memorable nature encounters when I’ve got up early for a jog around my local greenspace. Being out in nature early, feels special, almost sacred. It’s like you’re being allowed to sneak a peek behind the veil to a magical, hushed world that we don’t normally get to spend time in. And the effect that has on my nervous system lasts for the rest of the day and is hugely beneficial to my mental health.”
Thousands of people are experiencing the health-giving power of nature with the RSPB’s Nature Prescription service, an innovative way for health and associated professionals to discuss nature with the aim of improving their client’s wellbeing. For more info: bit.ly/RSPBNaturePrescription
This year. To help people celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day, the RSPB are hosting special Dawn Chorus events across the country.Find your nearest here: events.rspb.org.uk/dawnchorus
Image: Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, close up – Grahame Madge (rspb-images.com)
