The Dawn Chorus 2024: Sunday 5th May from midnight to 07:00
01/05/2024
Sunday 5th May from midnight to 07:00 on RT Radio 1 and RT Lyric FM & BBC Radio Wales
Love nature, love the Dawn Chorus!
Listen to the birds sing: in the early hours of Sunday 5th May, International Dawn Chorus Day, Ireland's airwaves will come alive with birdsong
RT Radio One's live Dawn Chorus is one of the most ambitious and innovative radio projects to have hit the Irish airwaves. For almost three decades now, Derek Mooney and his team of experts have been bringing the uplifting and fascinating strains of early-morning birdsong to listeners. Ireland's biggest annual radio event, celebrating the loudest sound in nature.
Winner of both the National PPI Radio Award for Innovation and the coveted International Rose d'Or award, the programme has become one of the key broadcast highlights of the year, not just in Ireland but right across Europe and beyond. Featuring live birdsong and expert commentary, it offers an unmatched live celebration of our natural heritage.
Interest in the natural world has never been higher. People have a greater appreciation of our flora and fauna, and in particular for the songs of our wild birds. The joy and optimism engendered by birdsong has become a crucial source of comfort and entertainment for a great many of us. During the height of the Covid crisis, the restrictions that were in place meant that most of us found ourselves suddenly confined to our homes, and the lack of background noise from traffic meant that the dawn chorus stood out to us like never before. It had always been there; it's just that we had never really noticed it before and now it seems we love it.
The dawn chorus is one of the most magical experiences in nature: a multitude of birds of many different species all singing together in harmony as morning breaks and light begins to fill the skies. As our natural world's most impressive and renowned concert, it is almost as though it has been tailor-made for radio. It never ceases. It moves, with the early morning light, like a great wave on the face of the Earth. At this moment, somewhere in the world, the birds are waking up and bursting into song.
International Dawn Chorus Day will take place on Sunday 5th May, and this year the Mooney Goes Wild team will once again be bringing listeners across Ireland and, thanks to RT 's online presence, the world a celebration of Irish birdsong from midnight through to 7:00am on RT Radio One, in a simulcast with RT Lyric FM & BBC Radio Wales
While Derek Mooney steers the ship from the RT studios in Dublin, home base' for the live broadcast once again this year will be BirdWatch Ireland's Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve in Cobh, Co. Cork, where our main presentation team of Jim Wilson and Niall Hatch will introduce the dawn chorus and, while the birdsong builds in real time, explain to listeners what our feathered friends are getting up to as the sun rises.
Across the country, Richard Collins, anna N Lamhna, Eric Dempsey and Terry Flanagan will also bring us the birdsong from their parts of Ireland, as the sun gradually breaks the horizon and the birds begin their performances.
The first birds are expecting to sing around 4am so what better way to pass the time that in the company of or colleagues on RT Lyric FM. Lorcan Murray will present his 30 minute selection of bird related music and Peter Curtin bring us a 30 minute sequence based on the Ambient Orbit series which often features birdsong and ambient sounds from the natural world. Lorcan Murray, RT Lyric Classic Drive will present his 30-minute selection of bird related music including Dawn by Ola Gjeilo, Lon Dubh by Laoise Kelly and The Cuckoo of Neffin by Colm Mac Con lomaire. These pieces highlight Lorcan's appreciation for nature on all things natural, especially when it comes to the beautiful relationship that exists between all birds and the dawning of the day. Peter Curtain will bring us a 30-minute sequence based on the Ambient Orbit series which often features birdsong and ambient sounds from the natural world. Liz Nolan's classical contribution to the Dawn Chorus, includes larks and swallows, blackbirds and baby chicks - a symphony of birdsong for your May morning! With music by Vaughan Williams, Rameau, Michael Head and more composers you'll hear on The Full Score, RTE Lyric FM.
Sin ad Wlyde, Head of RT lyric fm commented: 'The Dawn Chorus is very close to our hearts in RT lyric fm and as we celebrate our 25th birthday this May it's worth mentioning that birdsong is how RT lyric fm first came into being when the new station was tested in 1999 before the first broadcast. Dawn with the awakening chorus of birds is a time of hope and joy - it has been an inspiration for musician and composers throughout time. We are delighted to be part of this wonderful initiative again this year and bring you some carefully selected music by RT lyric fm presenters, Lorcan Murray, Liz Nolan and Peter Curtain to celebrate our natural world''.
Most importantly of all, we want to hear from you! We are counting on our listeners to send us their own recordings and live feeds of the birdsong performance happening near them. It could be the sound from your garden, your local park or woodland . . . or even just your open bedroom window.
Executive producer/presenter of the Dawn Chorus Derek Mooney, said: The dawn chorus is the highlight of my year, professionally and personally. I absolutely love it and I find the whole experience refreshing. I always eagerly look forward to hearing the first song of the morning. In Cuskinny Marsh Nature Reserve, where we've done our live broadcast for many years now, that first singer is usually the Blackbird, typically followed closely by the Robin and then Wren. No two dawn choruses are the same, however. It real
LINK: | https://about.rte.ie/2024/05/01/the-dawn-chorus-2024-sunday-5th-may-fr... |
See more stories from rte |
More from RTE
17/05/2024
RT'S Operation Transformation comes to a close after 17 seasons
RT has today announced that Operation Transformation (OT) is to end after 17 seasons. As series come to an end each year, RT undertakes an editorial review to...
16/05/2024
Cruinni na ng 2024 - a day of free creative activity for young people
RT is supporting Cruinni na n g with a nationwide campaign on television, radio, online and digital. For a full listing of all activities and information on h...
14/05/2024
PJ Gallagher explores Ireland's fight for mental wellness in new RT documentary, PJ Gallagher: Changing My Mind
Comedian PJ Gallagher turns mental health warrior in PJ Gallagher: Changing My M...
13/05/2024
Ballyduff Drama Group hailing from Co. Waterford Scoops Top Award in 2024 RT All Ireland Drama Festival
RT Marks 20 Years as Title Sponsor of the Festival with special anniversary vid...
13/05/2024
New landmark documentary series Stardust on RT One and RT Player
New compelling eye-witness testimony of Stardust fire in RT documentary Series filmed over three years includes interview with Charlie Bird filmed in 2021 N...
09/05/2024
RT Supporting the Arts: What's On this May
RT Supporting the Arts: What's On this May Watch our YouTube promo here This May RT is delighted to support Dublin Dance Festival along with 20 other ar...
08/05/2024
Doireann Garrihy to leave RT 2FM
RT has today announced that Doireann Garrihy has decided to leave RT 2FM after five years. Doireann will present her final 2FM Breakfast with Doireann, Donncha...
07/05/2024
RT welcomes publication of reports
RT has today welcomed the publication of three reports by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and the Media, Catherine Martin TD: The Re...
06/05/2024
RT Announces Series of Major TV Debates as part of its European Parliament Election Coverage
RT has announced details of its coverage across digital, TV and Radio in the ru...
01/05/2024
RT lyric fm turns 25!
RT lyric fm turns 25! Music station Where Life Sounds Better celebrates birthday with a gala concert RT lyric fm celebrates 25 years today Wednesday, ...
01/05/2024
The Dawn Chorus 2024: Sunday 5th May from midnight to 07:00
The Dawn Chorus 2024 Sunday 5th May from midnight to 07:00 on RT Radio 1 and RT Lyric FM & BBC Radio Wales Love nature, love the Dawn Chorus! Listen to th...
30/04/2024
RT All Ireland Drama Festival Schools Playwright Competition 2024 Winner Announced
Congratulations to Amelia O'Donnell from Loreto College, St Stephen's Gr...
30/04/2024
RT NEWS ANNOUNCES DAVID MURPHY AS NEW ECONOMICS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT
RT News is pleased to announce the appointment of David Murphy as its new Economics & Public Affairs Correspondent. David is currently RT 's Political Cove...
30/04/2024
RT Concert Orchestra May and June 2024
Concerts in Limerick, Dublin, Carlow and Cork, including Marty in the Evening, Morricone and May the Fourth Be With You, celebrating the remarkable decade of th...
25/04/2024
AMATEUR DRAMA TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS RT ALL IRELAND DRAMA FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN THE ABBEY THEATRE
Amateur drama took centre stage as the All Ireland Drama Festival was officially...
22/04/2024
Cian Cobhin's An Taobh Tuathail marks 25 years on air
An Taobh Tuathail (ATT), RT Raidi na Gaeltachta's flagship alternative radio, presented by Cian C obh in show turns 25 in May 2024. The acclaimed music ...
19/04/2024
RT NEWS ANNOUNCES SAMANTHA LIBRERI AS NEW EASTERN CORRESPONDENT
RT News is pleased to announce the appointment of RT journalist, Samantha Libreri, as Eastern Correspondent. Samantha will be reporting and providing analysis...
19/04/2024
Documentary Murder of a GAA Chairman' sheds light on the unanswered questions of the family of Sean Brown
Documentary Murder of a GAA Chairman sheds light on the unanswered questions of ...
18/04/2024
RT Prime Time experiment reveals disturbing content recommended to 13 year old TikTok users in Ireland
In response to growing concerns raised regarding the adverse impact of TikTok co...
18/04/2024
Remembering Alf McCarthy and Larry Masterson
We were saddened to learn this morning of the passing of our friend and former colleague, Alf McCarthy who died yesterday. We remember Alf as a popular present...
15/04/2024
Finalists Confirmed for 2024 RT All Ireland Drama Festival, as RT Celebrates 20 years as title sponsor
Three plays never-before performed will feature in the finals of the 2024 RT Al...
10/04/2024
WINNER OF RT ONE'S HOME OF THE YEAR 2024 REVEALED
Marty Campbell and Shane Murray have lifted the coveted Home of the Year 2024 trophy for their renovated 1920's terrace home in Dublin. In tonight's fi...
08/04/2024
its4women.ie SPONSOR OLIVER CALLAN ON RT RADIO 1
RT Media Sales today announced its4women.ie as the new sponsor of Oliver Callan on RT Radio 1 from Monday 8th April 2024. Oliver Callan's brand-new morni...
04/04/2024
RT Supporting the Arts: What's On this April
Watch our promo: RT Supporting the Arts | What's on This April RT is delighted to support the Incognito Art Sale for the Jack and Jill Children's Fou...
03/04/2024
RT announce new Irish teen drama Louise Lives Large: Eight-part series filmed in Kildare
RT 's biggest ever drama commission for young people, Louise Lives Large, la...
22/03/2024
RT kicks off Guinness Women's Six Nations coverage with France v Ireland
Watch all the games live across RT and Virgin Media Television from Saturday 23rd March All Ireland games live on RT Radio The Guinness Women's Six Nat...
21/03/2024
Award-winning Dizzy Deliveries confirmed for a new series on RTjr this April
Exclusive episode released to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day Award-winning children's series Dizzy Deliveries is back, with season two premiering on 15t...
20/03/2024
RT Winners at the RTS Ireland Awards
RT had six winners across ten categories at last night's RTS Ireland awards which took place in Dublin's Liberty Hall Theatre with host Dermot Whelan a...
15/03/2024
Celebrate the Best of Irish Culture with RT this St Patrick's Weekend
The Late Late Show hosts a world record attempt for the largest c il band performance Irish weekend sporting action from Six Nations to Allianz League Dancin...
13/03/2024
RT SHORT STORY COMPETITION 2024 OPEN FOR ENTRIES
TELL US YOUR (SHORT) STORIES The 2024 RT Short Story Competition is now open for entries. The RT Short Story Competition was set up in 1986 to honour wr...
12/03/2024
Statement by RT Director-General on the death of Charlie Bird
Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RT paid tribute to former RT journalist Charlie Bird following his death. We are all deeply saddened by the news of Char...
11/03/2024
Ireland's heartbreaking defeat to England draws average of almost 1 million viewers to RT2
Viewing numbers peak at 1.2m Additional 230,000 streams on RT Player Ireland...
08/03/2024
2024 Celtic Media Festival: RT drama Obituary nominated alongside Amazon Prime and BBC dramas
RT and independent Irish producers receive 19 Nominations for the 2024 Celtic...
08/03/2024
LONGEST FBI CASE RESOLVED BY RT PODCAST SERIES RUNAWAY JOE A FAMILY TORN APART REUNITED
The final episode of the RT true crime podcast series Runaway Joe uncovers new ...
07/03/2024
Lankum awarded RT Choice Music Prize Irish Album of the Year 2023
RT Choice Music Prize...
07/03/2024
Cian Ducrot Voted RT Choice Music Prize Irish Song of The Year
Cian Ducrot Voted RT Choice Music Prize Irish Song of The Year Irish Album of The Year to be announced at Live Event in Vicar Street tonight Irish Artist of ...
05/03/2024
na 2 Johnnies go na Hothouse Flowers: T RT ag ceiliradh Sheachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2024 | RT Celebrates Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia 2024
T na Two Johnnies ag dul go dt an Ghaeltacht. T na Hothouse Flowers ag dul si...
05/03/2024
New RT lyric fm show on Sunday Afternoons with Simon Delaney
RT lyric fm has announced a new addition to their schedule, Sunday Afternoon with Simon Delaney. Join stage and screen actor Simon Delaney every Sunday afterno...
01/03/2024
HARRY CORRY SPONSOR LIVELINE ON RT RADIO 1
RT Media Sales has announced Harry Corry as new sponsor of Liveline on RTE Radio 1 from today, Friday 1 March 2024. When the nation has something to say, the...
01/03/2024
RT Announces Appointment of Mari Hurley as Chief Financial Officer
RT Announces Appointment of Mari Hurley as Chief Financial Officer RT is pleased to announce the appointment of Mari Hurley to the role of Chief Financial Of...
29/02/2024
Evelyn O'Rourke announced as RT Arts and Media Correspondent
RT News is pleased to announce Evelyn O'Rourke has been appointed as Arts and Media Correspondent following an internal competition. An award winning RT ...
23/02/2024
Statement by Kevin Bakhurst, Director-General of RT: Sin N Raghallaigh
In a note to the staff of RT this morning, Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst, said: It is with deep regret that I share with you the announcement by Si n N R...
22/02/2024
RT Choice Music Prize Classic Irish Album Announced
RT Choice Music Prize In association with IMRO and IRMA Classic Irish Album And the winning album is Achtung Baby by U2 Live Event, Vicar St Thursday 7th...
22/02/2024
RT Publishes Updated Legal Advice Regarding the Departures of Individuals
RT is today making available the updated legal advice received in respect of questions arising in connection with recent departures of executive-level senior m...
21/02/2024
RT Choice Music Prize Conversations 2024: 7th March, 12.00-16.00
RT Choice Music Prize In association with IMRO and IRMA Conversations 2024 7th March, 12.00-16.00 http://www.choicemusicprize.ie/conversations/ Live Event...
21/02/2024
Allcare Pharmacy sponsors Brendan O'Connor on RT Radio 1
RT Media Sales has announced Allcare Pharmacy as sponsor of Brendan O' Connor, RT Radio 1, Saturday & Sunday, 11am-1pm. Brokered by Javelin, the ten-mont...
19/02/2024
Line-up: RT Radio 1 Folk Awards - Vicar Street 27.02.24
The 6th RT Radio 1 Folk Awards will be held in Vicar Street, Dublin on Tuesday 27th of February at 7.45pm. The Awards will be broadcast live on RT Radio 1 and...
17/02/2024
Statement RT Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst
Commenting today, RT Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst said: As I have stated already, RT has previously received legal advice that it is restricted from pro...
14/02/2024
RT and ITV reveal first look at second series of The Dry
RT and ITVX have revealed a first look at the cast of the highly anticipated second series of The Dry, which will air on RT One and RT Player later in the sp...
14/02/2024
Opening Statements: Joint Oireachtas Media Committee 14.02.24
To view today's Opening Statement to the Joint Oireachtas Media Committee by RT Director General, Kevin Bakhurst, click here. To view today's Opening ...