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4Bs Wild Bird Dawn Chorus Sound Map
This sound map was inspired by International Dawn Chorus Day. It shows 20 locations within the 4Bs where recordings of the dawn chorus were made in late April and early May when it reasches its peak. The dawn chorus is the collective sound made by birds at sunrise (between 5 to 6am am in early May) as they try to attract mates, establish and claim territories, and announce their presence to other birds. The sound map helps us appreciate the diversity of bird species that perform this celebration of life. Listening to bird song has been shown to improve mental wellbeing and the map is available to anyone who will find joy in the sounds and images. But a particular reason for creating the sound map is to provide people who are not able to get to these locations, with an opportunity to experience the sights and sounds they provide. |
To join the group text 07810462403
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Click on the link and you will be able to access a short YouTube Video that records the dawn chorus at the location and identifies the birds contributiong to the symphony by the Merlin App
1 Box Hill
2 Headley Heath 3 Betchworth Hills 4 Lime Kilns 5 Fraser Down 6 Betchworth Station 7 Ash Woodand 8 Common Field (skylarks) 9 Betchworth Church 10 R. Mole Brockham 11 Ancient Woodland 12 Duffles Plantation 13 Knights Gorse 14 Tranquil Wood 15 Highridge Wood 16 Wonham Mill 17 Brockham Quarry Nature Reserve 18 Betchworth Castle 19 Coach House Hill 20 Rectory Lane |
31 species were identified by the Merlin App as contributing to the dawn chorus in 20 locations across the 4Bs. The humble Wren was identified in 19 of the 20 locations. 9 species were the dominant contributors - Robin, Blackbird, Common Chiffchaff, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Blackcap, Wood Pigeon and Song Thrush. All of these birds were found in 10 or more locations. Pheasant, Jackdaw, Crow and Stock Dove were found in between 6 to 9 locations. 19 species were found in 1 to 4 locations. These include Dunnock, Goldfinch, Greater Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, Goldcrest, Goldfinch, Common Firecrest, Nightingale, Skylark, Mistle Thrush, Tree creeper, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Green Woodpecker, Greater Spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Magpie and Raven.
The composition of the dawn chorus symphony reflects the habitats that were selected – mostly woodland or scrub. It also reflects timing: robins, blackbirds, and song thrushes, are often among the earliest, other birds, such as wrens, warblers, and wood pigeons, may join the chorus later as the light increases.
The composition of the dawn chorus symphony reflects the habitats that were selected – mostly woodland or scrub. It also reflects timing: robins, blackbirds, and song thrushes, are often among the earliest, other birds, such as wrens, warblers, and wood pigeons, may join the chorus later as the light increases.
List of Birds Identified by the Merlin App in the Dawn Chorus at 19 locations in the 4Bs
Listening to birdsong can have a positive impact on mental health, potentially reducing anxiety and paranoia. Studies have shown that exposure to birdsong can improve mental wellbeing and even benefit those with depression.
In 2022, the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London carried out further research into the effectiveness of bird calls upon mental health. The findings of its research showed “that seeing or hearing birds is associated with an improvement in mental wellbeing that can last up to eight hours” – including in respondents diagnosed with depression.
Unlike previous studies which “typically relied on retrospective questionnaires or artificial set-ups with little ecological validity”, the IoPPN’s findings came from an app, Urban Mind, which collects real-time data from real-life contexts in order to draw conclusions from users’ environments, lifestyles, and mental wellbeing.
In 2022, the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London carried out further research into the effectiveness of bird calls upon mental health. The findings of its research showed “that seeing or hearing birds is associated with an improvement in mental wellbeing that can last up to eight hours” – including in respondents diagnosed with depression.
Unlike previous studies which “typically relied on retrospective questionnaires or artificial set-ups with little ecological validity”, the IoPPN’s findings came from an app, Urban Mind, which collects real-time data from real-life contexts in order to draw conclusions from users’ environments, lifestyles, and mental wellbeing.