Dawn Chorus in Sumava: A Guide to Early Morning Birdsong

There is a moment, just before the first light touches the treetops of the Bohemian Forest, when the world holds its breath. Then, one by one, the birds begin to sing. The dawn chorus in Sumava National Park is one of nature's greatest performances, a layered symphony of voices that builds from a single tentative note into a full orchestral sound filling every corner of the forest.

What Is the Dawn Chorus?

The dawn chorus is the collective singing of birds at the start of each day, typically beginning 30 to 60 minutes before sunrise. It occurs because the low light levels make foraging inefficient, so birds use the time to establish territories and attract mates through song. In the dense forests of Sumava, where the canopy limits visibility, vocal communication becomes even more critical, and the dawn chorus is correspondingly intense.

The phenomenon peaks during the breeding season, roughly from mid-April through late June in the Czech Republic. During this period, male birds are at their most vocal, and the diversity of species contributing to the chorus is at its greatest.

The Order of Singers

One of the fascinating aspects of the dawn chorus is that different species begin singing at different light levels, creating a predictable sequence. In Sumava's mixed forests, the typical order is:

• Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula) - Often the very first singer, beginning up to 60 minutes before sunrise. Its rich, fluting song carries far through the forest.
• Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) - Joins shortly after the blackbird, recognized by its habit of repeating each phrase two or three times.
• European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) - Adds its sweet, warbling song as the sky begins to lighten, often singing from a prominent perch.
• Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) - The most abundant bird in Sumava's forests, its cheerful descending song becomes the backbone of the chorus.
• Great Tit (Parus major) - Contributes its rhythmic, see-sawing "teacher-teacher" call as dawn fully breaks.
• Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) - Its distinctive two-note call, echoing across the valleys, is the unmistakable soundtrack of Central European spring.

Best Trails and Listening Spots in Sumava

Sumava National Park covers nearly 700 square kilometers of forested mountains along the Czech-German-Austrian border. While birdsong can be heard throughout, certain locations are especially rewarding:

Povydri Trail - This riverside path following the Vydra stream passes through ancient beech and spruce forests. The mix of habitats along the water corridor attracts a wide variety of species. Arrive at the Antygel car park before 5:00 AM in May for the best experience.

Chalupska Slat (Peat Bog) - The largest raised bog lake in the Czech Republic is surrounded by stunted pines and birches where specialized species like the Willow Tit and Goldcrest can be heard. The open landscape amplifies the dawn chorus beautifully.

Boubinsky Prales (Primeval Forest) - One of the oldest protected forest reserves in Europe, this remnant of virgin forest near Boubin peak has an exceptionally diverse bird community. The multilayered canopy supports species from treecreepers to flycatchers.

Planning Your Dawn Chorus Experience

To make the most of the dawn chorus in Sumava, consider the following practical advice:

• Check sunrise times carefully. In late May, sunrise in Sumava is around 5:15 AM, so plan to be in position by 4:15 AM.
• Temperatures at dawn in the mountains can be surprisingly cold, even in late spring. Bring warm layers and waterproof footwear.
• Stand still and let the sounds come to you. Moving through the forest will disturb the birds and diminish the experience.
• A pair of binoculars is helpful for identifying singers once light improves, but the primary experience is auditory.
• Accommodation in villages like Kvilda, Borova Lada, or Modrava places you close to prime listening spots with minimal early-morning travel.