In April 1980, A Nightingale arrived in Dagnam Park, it was first heard in daylight in the corner of Fir Wood, near the golf course, it sang all afternoon on the 16th April. It was subsequently heard by other bird watchers over a period of about 6 weeks. As far as we know this was the first documented sighting of the species in the park. Dave Sampson and Colin Jupp have kindly listed the subsequent sightings . These being; Hatters Wood 14/5/1980, Priory 22/5/1987and the scrub area (ex Rugby pitch) 14-19/5/1994. In 1995 a pair held territory on the margin of Lower Noke Close and young were recorded, confirming the first breeding record in the park (well nearly) There is also one autumn record a single bird on 15/8/84 at the rear of the lily pond.

In 2005 I discovered (or was reminded) that Ernie Herbert had in fact recorded the Fir Wood bird during its stay. The recording was made in the dead of night and preserved on tape, Thanks to Ernie you can now hear it yourself.