Arno's Park Action Group
Early spring in the park.
Photo © Ken Taylor
Photo © Ken Taylor
Dawn Chorus in Arno's Court Park
6am, Sunday 4th May, 2008
A line of flags guided visitors to the rendezvous point, and this event - a first for APAG - was thoroughly enjoyed by everybody able to rise bright and early and make their way into the park's patch of woodland.
Two APAG members who arrived at the Nun's Steps at 5:20, commented that by the advertised meeting time of 6am, the volume and diversity of songs had already begun to lessen. But even so, the chorus continued for a good hour after everyone else arrived. Despite the fact that nobody had a significant knowledge of bird song, by sharing the ones they did recognise, we managed to identify wren, blackcap, blue tit, robin, and jay, as well as the more familiar blackbird, crow, pigeon, and, of course, seagull. But there seemed to be at least as many again that we couldn't name at all.
The threat of rain probably prevented some people from attending, but the rain actually held off, and the morning was surprisingly warm. Even the presence of a few tiny, biting midges merely added interest to the occasion, rather than causing a nuisance. All in all, it was a successful opportunity to meet friends old and new, and share hot drinks in the fragrant spring air. Thanks to Becky Thoburn for organising it, and to everybody for coming.
When it was light enough, and the chorus was in cadence, the group embarked on an impromptu ramble through the woodland admiring its spring flowers, which included native bluebell, anemone, ramson, and celandine, as well as the blossoming trees such as horse chestnut and the aptly named may or hawthorn.
It was unanimously agreed that next year a 5am start would be better for this enchanting free event. The dawn chorus in woodland is an experience that everybody should have at least once in their lives. And for many who hear it, once simply isn't enough!
Ken Taylor
6am, Sunday 4th May, 2008
A line of flags guided visitors to the rendezvous point, and this event - a first for APAG - was thoroughly enjoyed by everybody able to rise bright and early and make their way into the park's patch of woodland.
Two APAG members who arrived at the Nun's Steps at 5:20, commented that by the advertised meeting time of 6am, the volume and diversity of songs had already begun to lessen. But even so, the chorus continued for a good hour after everyone else arrived. Despite the fact that nobody had a significant knowledge of bird song, by sharing the ones they did recognise, we managed to identify wren, blackcap, blue tit, robin, and jay, as well as the more familiar blackbird, crow, pigeon, and, of course, seagull. But there seemed to be at least as many again that we couldn't name at all.
The threat of rain probably prevented some people from attending, but the rain actually held off, and the morning was surprisingly warm. Even the presence of a few tiny, biting midges merely added interest to the occasion, rather than causing a nuisance. All in all, it was a successful opportunity to meet friends old and new, and share hot drinks in the fragrant spring air. Thanks to Becky Thoburn for organising it, and to everybody for coming.
When it was light enough, and the chorus was in cadence, the group embarked on an impromptu ramble through the woodland admiring its spring flowers, which included native bluebell, anemone, ramson, and celandine, as well as the blossoming trees such as horse chestnut and the aptly named may or hawthorn.
It was unanimously agreed that next year a 5am start would be better for this enchanting free event. The dawn chorus in woodland is an experience that everybody should have at least once in their lives. And for many who hear it, once simply isn't enough!
Ken Taylor
Photographs © Becky Thornton.
Bluebells and anemones
Dog mercury
Fern
Hart's tongue fern
New growth - spring's promise!
Lords and ladies