Birds turning up the dawn chorus volume

Photo: Ray Kennedy

A Robin on bird table in a garden

Are the birds singing louder this spring? It’s a question sprung on conservationists quite a lot this year.

“If you listen to the sound of the dawn chorus this week, wildlife doesn’t seem to be missing us at all,” said Alan Wright, Campaigns Manager at the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.

“There are two factors involved here, we believe. The lack of noise pollution from fewer vehicles being on the road is definitely opening up gaps for our wild birds to really let rip this year, as they are looking for love on their patch. And people have time to notice wild sights and sounds. Blackbirds, robins, great tits and wrens seem extra loud.”

Conservationists are not underestimating the tragic human cost of Covid-19, but with the virus forcing many of us to stay at home, how is wildlife coping?

Alan said: “I really hope we are learning from this crisis. Many lives have been lost as the virus has spread but I am sure the health measures have helped to save many thousands of people.

“And we shouldn’t be afraid to mention this knock-on effect on that is benefiting our wildlife. Let’s hope we can look at this and improve the way we live in the future in a way that supports nature.

“The songs of thrush and robin are filling the early mornings with sound. In some cases, it might just be that we are noticing the birdsong more as the noise from vehicles and general hubbub has turned down its volume.

“I certainly think that many people go through their lives without noticing some of the wonderful noises and the creatures making those noises around them.”

Many wildlife experts also believe that the lessening in pollution, globally, is also affecting animal behaviour. Alan said: “Our swallows and swifts are now flying back into urban areas which have always had problems with fumes from cars and industry. They are breathing fresher air into their little lungs, which can only be good for them.”

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is part of the Wildlife Trusts, the UK’s biggest conservation charity. In the North West the Wildlife Trust has more than 30,000 members who support its work in creating Nature Recovery Networks both here and across the United Kingdom.