On Saturday, a group of twelve of us gathered at Dalby Visitor Centre for a truly magical experience - a birdsong safari led by the wonderfully knowledgeable and engaging Rich Baines of Yorkshire Coast Wildlife.
From the very beginning, it was clear we were in expert hands. Rich, who has grown up attuned to birdsong, shared his deep knowledge with warmth and enthusiasm. His ability to teach and inspire meant that, by the end of our walk, everyone had either discovered new birdsong or sharpened their skills in identifying it.
Our walk took us on a journey through varied landscapes, from the river valley, into broadleaf woods, then through coniferous forest, and finally up onto open scrubland. Each change in habitat brought a shift in the soundscape, and we were never far from feathered company. The sharp calls of wrens, the inventive phrases of the song thrush, and the high-pitched squeaks of goldcrests and treecreepers kept our ears tuned in. We were treated to the bubbling melody of a garden warbler and the proud, if slightly misleading, call of the yellowhammer.
Adding to the magic, a quiet moment in the woods brought us face-to-face with a deer, while 9-year-old Dylan took on the role of assistant guide - eagerly sharing bird illustrations from his guidebook and helping us match calls to species. All the while, cyclists rolled by on nearby trails, a gentle reminder that this serene experience was happening right alongside the everyday forest life.
Thanks to Rich’s generosity, the walk raised over £300 to support our group - a testament to both the power of nature and the value of shared learning. We’re hugely grateful to Rich for giving his time and expertise so generously and can wholeheartedly recommend his wildlife tours with Yorkshire Coast Wildlife to anyone keen to deepen their connection with the natural world.
It truly was an ear-opening experience - one we won’t forget.
