RSPB and RNID Invite Everyone to Experience the Magic of the Dawn Chorus
Sunday 4 May marks International Dawn Chorus Day — a highlight in the birding calendar and a celebration of nature’s most beautiful soundscape. This year, the RSPB has joined forces with RNID, the national charity supporting people who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus, to encourage everyone to get up early and enjoy the uplifting sounds of birdsong.
Be an Early Bird
Waking up with the birds and immersing yourself in nature at first light can be a powerful boost for mental health and wellbeing. A 2021 report from the Mental Health Foundation found that 70% of UK adults believe being close to nature improves their mood, while nearly half said it helps them manage stress.
Whether you head out for an early walk or simply open your windows wide, the dawn chorus is an accessible and enriching way to start your day.
Making Birdsongs More Inclusive
To help even more people enjoy this annual celebration, RSPB and RNID have created practical tips and guidance.
Crystal Rolfe, Director of Health at RNID, explains:
“Birdsong is one of the most missed sounds by people with untreated hearing loss — and one of the greatest joys to rediscover. Because hearing loss often develops gradually, it can go unnoticed for years. RNID’s free online hearing check is a simple first step that can lead to life-changing improvements — from reconnecting with nature to better communication and reduced isolation.”
Four Ways to Enjoy the Dawn Chorus
1. Take RNID’s Free Online Hearing Check
One in three UK adults experiences hearing loss. If the dawn chorus seems quieter or different, it might be time to act. RNID’s online hearing check takes just three minutes and offers immediate guidance: rnid.org.uk/check
2. Try a Bird Identification App
Apps like Merlin or BirdNet can identify birdsongs in real time — even if you can’t hear them clearly. These tools enhance your birdwatching experience by naming the species singing around you.
3. Use All Your Senses
The dawn chorus is more than sound. Watch for wildlife in the quiet morning light, admire pastel sunrises, or spot dew-covered spider webs. Breathe in the earthy scent of spring foliage, or feel the grass underfoot for a grounding moment in nature.
4. Explore Modern Hearing Technology
If you’re concerned about your hearing, an audiologist can assess and recommend hearing aids. Today’s advanced devices can restore the subtle frequencies of birdsong, helping many people reconnect with sounds they haven’t heard in years.
RNID recommends a hearing check every two years, and visiting your GP if you have concerns.
A Multi-Sensory Celebration of Nature
International Dawn Chorus Day is more than a listening experience — it’s a full-body connection to nature. As night fades and the natural world awakens, the early hours offer a peaceful and powerful reminder of how alive the world is around us.
This 4 May, rise with the birds, embrace the stillness, and tune into the magic of the morning — however you experience it.