Join Birdwatch Mayo for their dawn chorus walk

THESE late spring mornings are already filled with glorious birdsong, with the annual dawn chorus greeting the rising sun in spectacular fashion. But amid the cacophony, it can be hard to tell who is singing. The curious can join Birdwatch Ireland’s Mayo branch for a dawn chorus walk this Saturday, May 4, and begin to learn which chirps and whistles belong to whom.
The group will meet in the car park of the North Mayo Heritage Centre in Enniscoe at 6.45am. Depending on numbers and abilities, those gathered will likely split into groups then take a one-and-a-half to two-hour gentle walk around the grounds listening to the symphony. The great spotted woodpecker has been drumming recently, and a great number of songbirds will be singing or calling, which should make for an exciting morning.
For this event, having the excellent Merlin app (Merlin Bird ID) on your phone will be more useful than binoculars. (Last year, Merlin identified common terns long before they could be seen far out on Lough Conn.)
When the walk finishes, the groups will return to base and Danny at the centre will have the café open for a welcome cup of tea or coffee and scones, breakfast baps or a full Irish.
All are welcome to join the dawn chorus walk; membership of BirdWatch Ireland is not necessary. There is no charge for this event, but donations to the Mayo branch are always gratefully received.
Remember to wear appropriate clothing for the forecast weather – the paths are often wet in places so waterproof footwear is recommended. Also, it’s worth noting that if there is a Met Éireann weather warning, the event will be cancelled. Notice will be posted on WhatsApp and, if feasible, by email and on Facebook.