There’s one in your yard every morning.  As birds wake up they sing to greet the new day.  We first read about this in a book called What The Robin Knows by Jon Young.

In Atlanta this time of year the dawn chorus begins around 5:45 a.m. and lasts for about a half an hour.  It’s quite a performance, and is even louder and more robust earlier in the spring when the birds are either defending a breeding territory or trying to attract a mate. [4]

There’s an International Dawn Chorus Day (of course there is) sponsored by an IDCD organization.  It started in the 1980’s in the UK and has spread to be a world wide event.  We’re a little late telling you about this, since the one closest to us was held this year on May 1st in the Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina.  Put it on your calendar for next year.

The video below of the dawn chorus was recorded this morning over the span of 20 minutes.   About 20 seconds into it, you can see and hear a flock of crows headed for breakfast.

This next video was recorded almost two months ago on April 4th.  Since it’s earlier in the spring and mating season and migration are in full swing, it’s a bit louder.

[1]  What the Robin Knows – Jon Young
[2]  IDCD
[4]  Congaree National Park
[3]  Wikipedia: Dawn Chorus (birds)