Listen "Dawn Walk"
Episode Synopsis
It’s just before dawn in late May when we join wildlife cameraman John Aitchison as he steps out of his home to be greeted by a rich chorus of birdsong before strolling across his garden towards the woodland and then the shoreline beyond at the start of this coastal walk near his home in West Scotland. As John approaches the shore he spies one of his regular neighbours; an otter, scouring the weed near the edge of the shoreline for food. The otter is not alone, John also spots a roe deer swimming near the far shore, as well as a group of Canada geese which are wary of the otter and keep their distance. In a shelter belt of trees, John pauses to enjoy the songs of a song thrush and a willow warbler; one a resident bird here all year round the other a summer visitor from Sub-Saharan Africa. Further along the shoreline, John passes a stunning bed of flag irises; vivid yellow against a green background. Out at sea a group of porpoises dive for fish. As the sun breaks through the skyline there’s another wonderful surprise when a white tailed eagle appears; a huge bird with a 6 foot wingspan which lands briefly on a rock in the shallows. As he approaches the end of his walk, John makes a discovery near the water’s edge, is serenaded by skylarks and has a surprising close encounter with a very special mammal. Producer Sarah Blunt
More episodes of the podcast Open Country
Black Poplars: How to Save a Tree
02/10/2025
The Stones of Snuff Mills
25/09/2025
Fair Isle
18/09/2025
The Menai Strait
11/09/2025
Pingos and Pool Frogs
04/09/2025
Exploring the Lakes by wheelchair
28/08/2025
Aeolian harps on Wicken Fen
21/08/2025
Flutterings on the Fleet
15/05/2025
Shipshape and Bristol Fashion
08/05/2025
Wild and Windy Fylde
01/05/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.