News 2005

Press Release 18th May 2005

	Catching the Worm Sleaford Target

International Dawn Chorus Day was celebrated in Sleaford with a Dawn Bird Walk at Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve. The walk was organised by the Friends of Mareham Pastures and guided by North Kesteven Countryside Rangers, Adrian Royston and Frank Brufton and Lincolnshire County Council’s Local Nature Reserve Officer, Matthew Davey. Matthew said: ‘the walk went very well and was well attended. Some of the birds we saw and heard included: Song thrush, Black cap, White throat, Wren, Robin, Black bird, Starling and a Kestrel.’

International Dawn Chorus Day was originally conceived by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country, one of the 47 Wildlife Trusts around the country. The day is now truly an International event, celebrated in France, Italy, Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.

The dawn chorus occurs when winter retreats. Male birds sing to attract females and to protect their territories. However, as the sun rises higher in the sky, the birds become tired and hungry. The dawn chorus comes to a close as soon as it becomes light enough for the birds to go in search of food. So, to catch the dawn chorus, you have to be an 'early bird' to hear it!

Matthew Davey, added that: ‘International Dawn Chorus Day is a celebration of the part wild birds play in our lives.’ … ‘Recent studies have shown sharp declines in many familiar birds and I hope awareness of the dawn chorus will encourage people to do something to help birds, from building a nest box to wildlife gardening.'

 

Picture: North Kesteven District Council Ranger Frank Brufton guides the early morning bird walkers.
 

 

Anyone interested in what is happening at Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve can now receive regular news updates by email – contact Zoë Watson – Secretary at info@marehampastures.co.uk. and ask to be added to the supporters list.

For any other information please contact Zoë Watson – Secretary of the Friends of Mareham Pastures via email.

info@marehampastures.co.uk

Alternatively contact Matthew Davey, Environmental and Community Project Officer, Lincolnshire County Council, Conservation Services:

Tel: 01522 554832

Alternatively contact Matthew Davey, Environmental and Community Project Officer, Lincolnshire County Council, Conservation Services:

Tel: 01522 554832

 

Back to NEWS