Nightime Symphony

This time of year is the best to learn different bird's calls and songs. With the mating season in full flow and new arrivals every day, a trip to the local patch can be a real pleasure on the ears !


I had a dusk trip to my favourite spot after work and was spoilt by a selection of my favourite bird songs. The star of the show was Nightingale. At any one moment I could hear at least two birds - their combination of whistles, trills and flutey notes one of the most mysterious and romantic.

Click on "chant" on the following link to have a listen:



http://www.oiseaux.net/oiseaux/rossignol.philomele.html




It was a bit dark for photos but I did manage good views of Great-crested Grebe and this rodent (water vole?) as it gathered foliage to make its nest.




















Next up was Grasshopper Warbler with its relentless reeling as it got darker and darker. Both of these species wil happily call all through the night. Just before sundown the sky was filled with more familiar songs - those of Chaffinch, Blackbird, Cuckoo and Sedge Warbler. Here's what the "Gropper" sounds like:


http://www.oiseaux.net/oiseaux/locustelle.tachetee.html


I half-expected the "drumming" of a Snipe or perhaps the "churring" of a Nightjar but it wasn't to be.


As the moon rose I headed back home thoroughly satisfied with the orchestra of bird song I was lucky enough to hear.