May's musical, magical, wildlife spectacle

WHILST the weather doesn’t quite seem to know what season it is, switching between spring and high summer, a look around quickly confirms that it is definitely spring - with flowers such as roses, primed to burst, lush green leaves on our trees and birds busying themselves for the vital breeding season.

- By ERIN MCDAID

Long-travelled species such as swifts and songbirds such as willow and reed warblers have now joined our resident species in the race to bag territory and the perfect mate.

In their bid for success on both counts, songbirds set out to impress by taking up a prominent perch and running through their repertoire of calls.

As the month progresses, we can hope to enjoy meadows in flower and colourful butterflies on the wing but for me, the real star of May is the Dawn Chorus.

With the myriad of migratory species now ensconced alongside resident early nesters, the breeding season builds to a crescendo. Whilst the bustling nesting activity is a delight to behold, it is the bird song that really sets this wild spectacle apart.