Birding

Tweet of the Day – Birdwatching on the Wireless.

July 27, 2019 by Redgannet 2 Comments

“It will never catch on” said the producers of the proposed radio programme.

“Birdwatching..? On the wireless..? Everyday..? Are you mad?”

But sometimes an idea captures enough peoples’ imaginations to make it viable and so it was. May I introduce you to “Tweet of the Day“, a regular feature on BBC’s Radio 4.

It is simply a short clip of birds’ songs and calls, accompanied by a short natural history of the featured bird, or a personal story from a narrator. If you listen via a mobile phone or a tablet-style device, there are pictures too. Most people who listen to Radio 4 do not own a tablet. Nor a smart phone.

Try this one to start you off.

Or perhaps this one.

Most of the clips are very short; less than one and a half minutes and if you wish to binge-listen, you can find the box-set here.

If you are up early enough, you can listen live (assuming you can get Radio 4, on DAB, BBC Radio 4, FM 92-95, or 103-105, LW 198) just before 06.00 UK time. Every day.

Alternatively, you could tune in to the “Tweet of the Week“, a longer programme which explores stories more deeply.

Thank you to Tony Skinner for access to his magnificent collection of vintage radios.

Tweet of the day vintage radios

Written by Redgannet

Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.

2 Comments

Clare and Grant-Broome Western Australia July 27, 2019 at 8:29 pm

My Mum listens to these in the UK on a very old inherited radio! So, yes, it is a “thing”!

I thought everybody knew about this! Now they do! 🙂
Chris MacIntosh August 1, 2019 at 3:09 pm

I’d heard of Tweet of the Day. I enjoy “Birdnote” each morning on the radio (via KALW in San Francisco) which is also a brief birding item. But what really caught my eye was the photo of the Bush radio at the top — exactly the model my family bought as its first portable radio in late 1950’s! I think it even made it into the V&A as an example of good design. I guess this makes me “vintage” too.