To celebrate the beginning of spring in the Gaelic calendar, ornithologist Seán Ronayne is across the schedule on RTÉ lyric fm with a new series to discuss the distinct bird songs, melodies and calls that we have today in Ireland. Listen to Sean on the magic of the Mistle Thrush above...
About The Mistle Thrush: A larger cousin of the familiar song thrush, the mistle thrush is an early songster and one which we can listen out for in late winter, from the tops of tall trees. It sounds a little bit like another cousin, the ubiquitous, but equally wonderful, blackbird. All three species are members of the thrush family.
Whilst the song of the blackbird can be described as fluty, elaborate, and highly melodic, the mistle thrush, although similar, is slightly lower-pitched, shorter-versed, and a touch desolate, but in a beautiful kind of way.
Bird Songs with Seán Ronayne, RTÉ lyric fm, February 1st – 16th - listen back here
