About this episode

Chris Skinner captures the sounds of the awakening countryside at High Ash Farm in mid-April.

Send us Fan Mail In the soft pre-dawn light of mid-April at High Ash Farm, Chris Skinner steps outside at 4:45 am to capture the awakening countryside. A blackbird sings gloriously from a nearby tree, its rich, fluid notes carrying beautifully in the cool, still air, while wood pigeons coo and the first lesser black-backed gulls drift overhead. Chris explains why birds sing so early — advertising territory, the sound travelling farther in dense cold air, and the simple fact that it’s still to...

People in this episode

Host: Chris Skinner

Topics covered

• birdsong
• countryside
• nature observation
• early morning
• wildlife

Keywords

• blackbird
• lesser black-backed gull
• territory
• nature
• April

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Morning Melodies and Orange-Tip Eggs

Places: High Ash Farm, April

More episodes of Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts

• Episode 2.69 - Bluebell Batteries and Badger Bedding · April 25, 2026 · 45 min
• Episode 2.67 - Spring Swallow Spectacle and Woodland Whites · April 11, 2026 · 41 min
• Episode 2.66 - Firebug Frenzy and Min-Till Marvels · April 4, 2026 · 47 min
• Episode 2.65 - Owl Odyssey and Second Chances · March 28, 2026 · 49 min
• Episode 2.64 - Spawn Surge and Mad March Hares · March 21, 2026 · 40 min
• Episode 2.63 - Cricket Bat Canopies and Tally Tales · March 14, 2026 · 45 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Chris Skinner's Countryside Podcasts podcast page.