Twitcher's paradise for early-risers

1:14pm Friday 9th May 2008

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EARLY birds are being invited to catch the dawn chorus at a Worcester nature reserve.

A morning walk around Cherry Orchard Local Nature Reserve, in Diglis, has been organised by Worcester City Council's ranger team tomorrow from 5.30am until 7am.

The event - held twice before - is always well-attended and gives people the chance to enjoy all the sights and sounds of an early spring morning.

The nature reserve is an area of rare scrubland habitat which is ideal for hearing and seeing small birds, particularly warblers.

Heather Bainbridge, assistant ranger, will be leading the trip while Trevor Smith, the city council's resident bird expert, will point out the various species and their calls.

Mr Smith said: "Our nature reserve at Cherry Orchard is becoming a prime location for watching birds within the city.

"The combination of open grassland, scrub and Willow Carr provides a comprehensive range of habitats for invertebrates and the birds that feed upon them.

Early May sees the dawn chorus of birdsong reach its peak, with the newly arrived summer migrants adding their voices to the resident songsters."

He added Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Bullfinch, Linnet and Songthrush could all be heard, along with two woodpecker species, Whitethroat and Chiff Chaff.

To join the morning call walk contact the city council on 01905 722233 to book a place.