Donal Hickey: Early risers get to hear the dawn chorus

There are dawn chorus and dusk chorus walks taking place around the country, check out one near you

Robin (Erithacus rubecula) — robins are usually the first birds to start the dawn chorus, often as early as 4.30am

Now that we’re heading into the dawn chorus season, some readers have been in contact with helpful tips for identifying the sound of various birds and their order of appearance in the orchestra, so to speak.

A recent column on the song thrush prompted feedback from birders who, you can be sure, will be out early in the coming weeks. Before sunrise even.