02/11/2026
What if, for the next ten minutes, you did nothing but listen?
No scrolling. No emails. No birds to tick off a list.
Just headphones on, eyes closed, and the sound of a forest waking up.
I recorded this dawn chorus as part of a little morning ritual I've come to love — taking a few quiet minutes to really listen.
There's something remarkably restorative about birdsong. Research suggests that listening to birds can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and improve our sense of wellbeing.
So consider this a little ten-minute morning meditation from the forest.
And there's another good reason to start listening!
2026 is the Big Year of African Sounds — an exciting continent-wide initiative encouraging people to record and preserve the incredible voices of Africa's birds for science and conservation.
It's also something we're celebrating at the Bitou Birding Festival (23–30 October), where listening and connecting with nature take centre stage through experiences such as:
- Sound Recording Workshop with John Kinghorn
- Mindful Birding with Pierre Joubert
- Bird & Breakfast with Dr Matthew Zylstra
- Beginner Birding Workshop with John Kinghorn
Because birding isn't always about what you see. Sometimes the real magic happens when you close your eyes.
Put on your headphones. Give yourself ten minutes. And really listen.
Slow Down. Look Up. Reconnect.
Explore the festival: https://www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za/
Book tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/392725-bitou-birding-festival-2026-slow-down-look-up-reconnect/?ref=link-campaign&lc=fb-launch
Discover the Big Year of African Sounds: https://www.africansounds.org/
