Jayne Lillywhite discovers the delights of rising early

People are often categorised into two types of sleepers: larks and owls. Larks like to get up early and are best in the mornings, while owls prefer to go to bed later and wake up later. Anyone who knows me will confirm there’s no mistaking I’m an owl – I find getting out of bed in the mornings a real struggle. But as a wildlife lover I know that dawn can be one of the best times to spot elusive animals, and simply appreciate the natural world.

I determined to drag myself from my bed at 4 am, figuring that if I was going to make any effort it might as well be worthwhile. I finally managed it on the third attempt. (I’m ashamed that on the first two I just groaned, fumbled with the incessant buzzing alarm then sank back to my slumbers.) And I discovered that getting up early was certainly worth it: during my short walk along a secluded local footpath I was greeted by a cacophony of birdsong and glimpses of a muntjac deer and a fox.

The dawn chorus really is a marvel. But why do birds do it? It’s all to do with breeding. As the days start to lengthen in spring it prompts male songbirds into mating mode, which means calling to the females and warding off unwanted rivals. Singing proclaims that a territory is occupied and warns other males to stay away. And what better way to attract a female than serenade? Birds make singing appear effortless, but it is actually quite hard work and uses precious energy. It is the fittest, healthiest males who often sing the loudest and the longest. Females chose mates with the best songs as it is likely that such males will control a superior territory, be better at raising chicks and pass these successful genes to their young. Research has also shown that females prefer mates with the most complicated sonic repertoires, so males constantly refine their range resulting in rich and complex songs. In many species once a male has attracted a mate he will sing less often.

The best time to hear the dawn chorus is between March and July. Usually it is our resident birds, such as robins and great tits that you hear at the beginning of season. But as spring progresses into summer, migrants, such as chiffchaffs, blackcaps and other warblers, join them. As the sun rises, not all birds start singing at the same time. Song thrushes, robins and blackbirds often start first, whereas wrens and warblers are a little later. Dawn is a good time for birds to sing. It is generally too dark to forage for food and, although singing alerts predators, the dimness helps the birds to remain concealed. The eerie stillness at dawn, coupled with less background noise, means a bird’s song can travel much farther.

You don’t have to get out of bed early to hear the dawn chorus – just set your alarm for 4 am, open your windows and eavesdrop while tucked up under the covers. Or still in your PJs, pop on a warm coat and shoes, make a steaming cuppa and just sit quietly in your back garden for a while (you can always go back to bed later). You may well be delighted at the animals you see as well as the sounds you hear.

International Dawn Chorus Day is 4 May.

To celebrate why not join one of the following events?

Fowlmere RSPB Nature Reserve (nr Royston): Saturday 26 April, meet in car park at 5 am. BBQ style breakfast afterwards. Booking essential, contact Andrew Camps on01638 741018 or email: apcsw@ukonline.co.uk

Southwick Wood Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve (nr Oundle): Sunday 4 May, meet 4 am in lay-by opposite the reserve entrance. Refreshments afterwards. Booking essential, contact Juliette Butler on 01604 405285

Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust - Join a walk to hear the dawn chorus of Rutland Water Sunday 4 May . Booking essential. Call 01572 770 651 or
email jfisher-robins@lrwt.org.uk £12 non members (includes breakfast).

Look out for special events at other local nature reserves, as details may not have been available at the time of print.