The Isle of Man will be represented on a Celtic Nations’ Dawn Chorus broadcast tomorrow (Sunday) from 4 to 7am.

Manx Ornithological Society’s annual dawn chorus outing to the Arboretum Park in St John’s from 5 to 7am will be linked to the Irish RTÉ Radio 1’s live International Dawn Chorus broadcast.

The island will be joining BBC Scotland, BBC Wales, Birdwatch Ireland, and contributors from Cornwall, Brittany and Northern Ireland.

People in the Isle of Man can listen to RTE radio online and via smart speakers.

“RTÉ’s dawn chorus broadcast has become something of a national institution,” producer Ana Leddy said. “Listeners across Ireland and around the globe tune in during the early hours each May to hear a unique and uplifting celebration of birdsong and the natural world. This year they will be treated to Manx birdsong too.”

The island’s contribution will be presented live by Manx Birdlife tutor Tim Earl. His classes gave rise to the Manx Early Birders group and the Facebook page Manx Birds From My Window which now has more than 1,100 members.

“The Isle of Man has always been on the ornithological map thanks to Manx shearwaters and the outstanding Calf of Man Bird Observatory,” Tim said. “This broadcast will further our reputation as a top birding destination.”

The MOS dawn chorus outing is open to everyone; meet at the Arboretum car park at 5am.

RTÉ Radio 1’s annual live International Dawn Chorus is winner both of the National PPI Radio Award for Innovation and the coveted International Rose d’Or award, the Irish programme has become one of the broadcast highlights of the year.

Interest in birdsong is said to have grown during the pandemic.