Discovering Bird Sounds in the North York Moors

Richard Baines, a seasoned ornithologist, leads a birdwatching walk in the North York Moors, emphasizing the importance of listening to bird sounds rather than solely relying on visual identification. Despite the early February chill, Baines notes that ornithological spring is underway, with birds beginning to sing and some, like the crossbill, potentially already nesting. As the group traverses the landscape, they initially find the absence of bird sounds surprising, prompting a shift into a wooded valley where Baines hopes to demonstrate the richness of avian acoustics.

The Guardian

The introduction of the Merlin app by Cornell University in 2014 has transformed birdwatching, allowing users to identify bird songs with remarkable accuracy. Baines recounts an incident from May 2025, where a participant used Merlin to identify a nightingale's song in an area where it is rarely seen, highlighting the app's potential to reveal gaps in ornithological knowledge. The app's capabilities are further showcased as the group encounters a song thrush mimicking various bird calls, including that of a marsh tit, showcasing the complexities of avian communication.

The Guardian

Baines emphasizes that the joy of birdwatching lies in the auditory experience rather than capturing photographs. He has led walks for individuals with sight loss, noting their heightened sensitivity to sound, which enriches the experience for all participants. The walk culminates in a remarkable sighting of pink-footed geese arriving from Iceland, a phenomenon attributed to extreme cold in Eastern Europe. Baines describes this event as a "once in a 25-year event," as hundreds of these geese land in the area, alongside a rare sighting of a tundra bean goose among them.

The Guardian

Richard Baines articulates the transformative nature of focusing on bird sounds: “Being thrilled by bird sound really frees people up, especially if you’ve got used to the idea that success is a good photograph.” His insights reflect a broader understanding of the importance of auditory experiences in nature.

The Guardian

While the use of technology like the Merlin app has been praised for enhancing birdwatching, some traditionalists argue that it may detract from the pure experience of connecting with nature. Critics suggest that reliance on apps could lead to a diminished appreciation for the skill of identifying birds by sight and sound alone.

The Guardian

• “When I started to prioritise sound above sight, the trees came alive and I have never had a bad woodland walk since.” — Richard Baines, Ornithologist

The Guardian

• “A once in a 25-year event,” — Richard Baines, describing the arrival of pink-footed geese

The Guardian

• “That thrush just did something incredible.” — Richard Baines, on the song thrush's mimicry

The Guardian

The North York Moors offers a unique environment for birdwatching, where sound takes precedence over sight, enriching the experience for both novice and seasoned bird enthusiasts.

The Guardian