Dawn Chorus Day event at Belvedere

There is a celebration of nature's symphony at Belvedere House and Gardens on International Dawn Chorus Day, Sunday May 5.

People are invited to join the Birdwatch Ireland’s Westmeath Branch on a guided walk to explore the world of birdsong, from 5am to 7am.

Gordon Wycherley, chairman of the Westmeath branch of Birdwatch Ireland, describes the dawn chorus as “a cacophony of sound” where male birds attempt to “not only to impress the females but also sing to the other males to let them know that this is their territory, their patch of land.

“The dawn chorus is basically when all the bird sing together to create great levels of song and harmony. During spring you of course have the resident species but also the migrants such as warblers and flycatchers too," Gordon added.

According to Gordon, the height of this is in May and June, hence the upcoming international day of celebration. “We come together and enjoy the beauty of nature. Take a very early morning walk, try to identify the various birds and meet other like minded people."

There is no charge for the event and you don’t have to be a member of Birdwatch Ireland; those attending are asked to dress for the Irish weather. The cafe will be open.