A special sequence of programmes celebrating bird song - one of the most beautiful of natural sounds and a constant source of inspiration to artists. Presented by Fiona Talkington.
7.30 Catalogue d'Oiseaux - a Landscape with Birds
Five pieces from the bird catalogue by French composer Olivier Messiaen , together with the sounds of the birds and the natural landscape that inspired them. Pianist Peter Hill , who studied with Messiaen, plays and talks about the music. Producer Grant Sonnex
8.55 Twitching
Poet laureate Andrew Motion reads six bird poems: Blackbird; Song Thrush; Raven; Swallow; Wren; and Sparrow. Featuring the voices of the birds themselves. Producer Tim Dee
9.00 Birdsong Bagatelles
Composer Edward Cowie , artist in residence of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, introduces the first broadcast of his new work for the Coull String Quartet - a set of 24 portraits of common British birds, their songs and behaviour. Producer Andrew Kurowski
9.40 13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird
Another chance to hear the award-winning feature inspired by one of our most familiar and best-loved birds and its remarkable song. Producer David Gallagher