How climate change is impacting the dawn chorus

Will you be up with the lark for International Dawn Chorus Day tomorrow, Sunday 5 March?

Events are taking place nationwide to celebrate the symphony of birdsong that can be heard in the early hours of the morning.

It rises to a crescendo at this time of the year, with birds singing to defend a territory or attract a mate.

But the dawn chorus also acts as a barometer for the health of the environment.

And some scientists say it has become quieter and less diverse as species suffer due to climate change and habitat loss.

“I’ve been watching birds all my life,” explains Niall Hatch from BirdWatch Ireland. “And the changes I have seen and heard really, really concern me.”

Watch our video to hear Niall expand on these concerns during a dawn chorus walk at the East Coast Nature Reserve in Co Wicklow.

And don’t forget Ireland’s airwaves will come alive with birdsong with The Dawn Chorus 2024 programme on RTÉ Radio One and RTÉ lyric FM from 00:00-07:00 tomorrow.