The birds in our skies are about to change. Spring marks the start of migration, with birds flying thousands of miles across the world. It's a magical, mysterious wonder of nature that has fascinated us for centuries.

In this episode Mya-Rose Craig discovers why bird migration happens; learns about species we can expect to see flying into the UK; and hears from listeners from the Orkneys to East London about the first migrating birds they're seeing.

Nature broadcaster Ajay Tegala and RSPB's Lucy Lapwing explain the facts behind migration; Swarovski Optik's Dale Forbes provides top tips on choosing binoculars to help spot migrating birds; and West Midlands Bird Ringing Group's Ben Dolan reveals how he charts birds' journeys across the world using innovative thermal imaging.

Grammy Award nominated Afro Celt Sound System talk to nature beatboxer Jason Singh about their 2018 album Flight, themed around migration.

Host: Dr Mya-Rose Craig

Music Host: Jason Singh

Guests: Ajay Tegala, Ben Dolan, Dale Forbes, Lucy Lapwing, Afro Celt Sound System

Producer: Tom Bonnett

Executive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie Derham

Production Manager: Cara Ghoshal

Production Assistant: Louis Facey

Sponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski Optik

Music:

Chad Crouch - Platformer

Chad Crouch - Investigation

Chad Crouch - Dusk

Podington Bear - Brightening

Podington Bear - Happiness Is

Afro Celt Soundsystem - When I Still Needed You

Afro Celt Soundsystem - Working the Land

Afro Celt Soundsystem featuring the Amani Choir - Sanctus

Afro Celt Soundsystem - Hawk Owl [Unreleased Demo Excerpt]

Afro Celt Soundsystem - The Migration Medley: Flight

Birdsong Recordings:

Pianofarm

Inchadney

Straget

Podcast art by Make Productions

Follow us:

www.twitter.com/getbirdingpod

www.facebook.com/getbirdingpod

www.instagram.com/getbirdingpod

Follow Ajay Tegala on Twitter: @AjayTegala

http://www.ajaytegala.co.uk

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

Insta: @Lucy_Lapwing

Twitter: @Lucy_Lapwing

Discover more about the West Midland Ringing Group here: http://www.westmidlandsringinggroup.co.uk/thermal-birding/4594503748

Find out more about Afro Celt Sound System: https://www.afroceltsoundsystem.org.uk/

Order your copy of Flight here: https://www.afroceltsoundsystem.org.uk/buy-album/

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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