During lockdown, we've become more aware of birdsong but can we recognise the birds we're hearing? In this episode, Mya-Rose Craig explores how to identify different birds, from robins to wrens to blackbirds; why birds sing; what a dawn chorus is all about; and how birdsong makes us feel.

Actor and keen birder Samuel West takes time out from filming the new series of All Creatures Great and Small to give top tips on how to learn birdsong, with his very own patch diary from Yorkshire.

RSPB’s Lucy Lapwing, host of YouTube channel Birdsong Lessons, explains how to tell garden birds apart, whilst Get Birding listeners reveal the birdsong that stops them in their tracks.

Jason Singh speaks to Mercury Prize nominated folk singer Sam Lee about his magical live woodland concerts “Singing with Nightingales” and his debut novel “The Nightingale: Notes on a Songbird” which tells the story of this endangered bird and its place in music and literature.

Host: Dr Mya-Rose Craig

Music Host: Jason Singh

Guests: Samuel West, Lucy Lapwing, Sam Lee

Producer: Tom Bonnett

Executive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie Derham

Production Manager: Cara Ghoshal

Production Assistant: Louis Facey

Sponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski Optik

Music from:

Podington Bear - Sneaker Chase

Podington Bear - Golden Hour

Podington_Bear_-_Fluorescence

Podington Bear - Delta

“” - Platformer

“” Happiness Is

Sam Lee and Lisa Knapp - Tan Yard Side

Sam Lee - Turtle Dove

Sam Lee - IMPROV SWN

Sound recordings from:

Tony Whitehead

InChadney

Vonora

Sheyvan

Acclivity

Erh

Dobroide

Podcast art by Make Productions

Follow us:

www.twitter.com/getbirdingpod

www.facebook.com/getbirdingpod

www.instagram.com/getbirdingpod

Follow Samuel West at: @exitthelemming

Check out Lucy's YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/lucylapwing

Insta: @Lucy_Lapwing

Twitter: @Lucy_Lapwing

Find out more about Sam Lee's upcoming events at: www.thenestcollective.co.uk/

Singing with the Nightingales: https://thenestcollective.co.uk/includes/singing-with-nightingales/

Pre-Order Sam Lee's 'The Nightingale' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-nightingale/sam-lee/2928377019877

Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/

Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.

Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birding

Swarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities.

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