Roe valley country park invites public to a wonderful dawn chorus

Twitter enthusiasts of a different kind will be gathering in Roe Valley Country Park to revel in the sights and sounds of the dawn chorus later this month.

Bird watchers and early risers are in for a treat during the walk on Saturday 16 May organised by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) which manages the park in Limavady.

The walk will start at 5.00am and visitors can expect to see a wide variety of birds with over 60 species having been recorded in Roe Valley Country Park.

NIEA Educator Michael Conway explained: “Roe Valley Country Park is an ideal place to take a walk at any time.

“A walk in the park at this early hour, just appreciating the tranquility of the dawn, is a wonderful experience. The bird song makes it completely magical.

“The park has a great variety of contrasting locations. There are mature woodlands. The River Roe rushes through impressive gorges and there are quiet ponds to visit. These varied places provide a number of habitats where a wide variety of birds can thrive.”

The walk will be led by John Clarke, an expert on birdlife who has recently returned from scientific work in the Canadian Rockies. John has led similar walks before at Roe Valley and enthralled his audience with his knowledge of various bird calls.

John Clarke expects visitors to the park to enjoy a stunning musical experience.

He said: “The whole business of nest building, laying eggs and raising chicks begins with male birds singing to females. The best singers get the most attractive females.

“The male bird continues to sing throughout the breeding season to establish a territory around the nest site to deter other birds from benefitting from the food available.

“Each species of bird has its own song. Birds do most of their singing around dawn becoming quieter as the day progresses. May 16 is in the middle of the breeding season so I am hopeful we will hear a wide variety of birds.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Those wishing to take part in the walk should come suitably clothed and meet at the Roe Valley Country Park visitors centre on Dogleap Road. .
2. The walk itself will be little over a mile in length. Walkers will also have the opportunity to avail of breakfast in the Ritter Tearooms immediately after the walk. The event is free (breakfast not included) however, spaces are limited so pre-booking is essential - telephone: 028 7776 7532 or 028 7772 2074 for booking and further information.3. For further media enquiries please contact the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned