Charities join forces to celebrate birdsong on International Dawn Chorus Day

This weekend, the early morning skies across Devon will be filled with the enchanting sounds of birdsong, as the RSPB and national hearing loss charity RNID team up to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day.

The RSPB – the UK’s largest nature conservation charity – has partnered with RNID to ensure that everyone, including the 18 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, can take part in this special event. Together, the charities are encouraging people to rise early and immerse themselves in nature’s most magical symphony.

International Dawn Chorus Day, celebrated annually on the first Sunday of May, began in the 1980s thanks to environmentalist Chris Baines, who hosted the first official event in Birmingham. It has since grown into a global celebration of the beauty of birdsong and the importance of connecting with nature.

Recognising that hearing loss can impact the ability to fully experience the dawn chorus, RNID is sharing practical advice and tools to help people reconnect with the sounds of nature. Crystal Rolfe, Director of Health at RNID, said:

"Many people with untreated hearing loss say that birdsong is one of the sounds they miss the most – but hearing aids and hearing checks can often restore this joy. Taking action on hearing health can be life-changing, enhancing connection with nature, friends, and family."

The RNID recommends using free online hearing checks, bird identification apps like Merlin and BirdNet, and exploring new hearing aid technologies to help more people enjoy the natural world.

Morwenna Alldis from the RSPB explains why the dawn chorus is such a profound experience:

"At first light, male songbirds sing to attract mates and defend territories. The still, quiet air of early morning carries their songs further – sometimes up to 20 times farther than at other times of day."

Early risers might hear the first calls of Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Robins, with Wrens, Chiffchaffs, and Wood Pigeons joining later. Those in specific habitats, like lowland heaths, might even catch rarer singers like the Dartford Warbler or the elusive Nightjar.

Birdsong, often one of the first things affected by hearing loss, is a powerful sensory experience that can be deeply missed. In 2021, the Mental Health Foundation reported that 70% of UK adults said that being close to nature improved their mood, while half said it helped them manage stress – evidence of the vital role nature plays in our wellbeing.

For those who might not catch every note, the RSPB and RNID are reminding people that International Dawn Chorus Day is about much more than hearing. Early morning nature offers a feast for the senses – the sparkle of dew on spider webs, the earthy scent of spring growth, the feel of cool grass underfoot, and the sight of wildlife stirring at first light.

David Lindo, known as "The Urban Birder" and himself partially deaf, urged everyone to get outdoors:

"Having hearing loss doesn't mean you can't still experience nature. Get outside and use your other senses. There's so much to enjoy."

To celebrate, the RSPB is hosting special dawn chorus walks and events across the UK. In Devon and beyond, bird lovers will be able to join expert-led walks to experience the chorus first-hand. Event listings can be found at events.rspb.org.uk/dawnchorus

For those inspired to deepen their relationship with nature, the RSPB’s innovative Nature Prescription programme offers resources for incorporating time outdoors into daily wellbeing routines.

How You Can Take Part

Top tips for making the most of Dawn Chorus Day include:

• Take RNID’s free three-minute online hearing check at rnid.org.uk/check

• Use bird song apps to identify calls, even ones you can’t hear

• Engage all your senses: look, smell, touch and feel the magic of the early morning

• Explore new hearing technology if you think your hearing has changed

Whether you're listening to the first flute-like notes of a Blackbird or soaking up the sight of a golden sunrise, International Dawn Chorus Day offers a moment to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate the wonders of the natural world.