Dawn chorus in the Sperrins: Ma always said I was away with the birds

Up until two weekends ago, the dawn chorus, was for me, synonymous with a night-out which had rumbled on into the early hours.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th May 2016, 08:59 BST
Updated 28th May 2016, 13:53 BST
Dawn chorus at Moydamlaght Forest organised by the Sperrins Gateway PartnershipDawn chorus at Moydamlaght Forest organised by the Sperrins Gateway Partnership
Dawn chorus at Moydamlaght Forest organised by the Sperrins Gateway Partnership

As a friend of mine once said in response to his father’s observtaion that he had stayed out far too late, “It’s that late Da, it’s early.”

I clearly remember thinking that the birds were singing songs of condemnation at the sorry sight of me trudging home like a vampire trying to escape the rising sun.

Fond memories indeed.

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Mid-Ulster Mail and Tyrone Times Regional Editor Peter Bayne and Deputy Regional Editor Michael McGlade are delighted with the new look website.INMM3813-396SRMid-Ulster Mail and Tyrone Times Regional Editor Peter Bayne and Deputy Regional Editor Michael McGlade are delighted with the new look website.INMM3813-396SR
Mid-Ulster Mail and Tyrone Times Regional Editor Peter Bayne and Deputy Regional Editor Michael McGlade are delighted with the new look website.INMM3813-396SR

Anyway, I went along to dawn chorus in Moydamlaght Forest, just outside Moneyneena, with little more than mild curiosity. Trying something new.

The heavy drizzle was incessant, but the range of bird songs was not dimmed.

David, our excellent guide, put it brilliantly, as we strained our necks to catch a glimpse of the feathered singers.

“Sometimes it doesn’t matter if you actually see them or not, just standing and listening is enough,” he said.

“When you do that, you can block out all the other madness of the world.”