The birds in our skies are about to change. Spring marks the start of migration, with birds flying thousands of miles across the world. It's a magical, mysterious wonder of nature that has fascinated us for centuries. In this episode Mya-Rose Craig discovers why bird migration happens; learns about species we can expect to see flying into the UK; and hears from listeners from the Orkneys to East London about the first migrating birds they're seeing. Nature broadcaster Ajay Tegala and RSPB's Lucy Lapwing explain the facts behind migration; Swarovski Optik's Dale Forbes provides top tips on choosing binoculars to help spot migrating birds; and West Midlands Bird Ringing Group's Ben Dolan reveals how he charts birds' journeys across the world using innovative thermal imaging. Grammy Award nominated Afro Celt Sound System talk to nature beatboxer Jason Singh about their 2018 album Flight, themed around migration. Host: Dr Mya-Rose Craig Music Host: Jason Singh Guests: Ajay Tegala, Ben Dolan, Dale Forbes, Lucy Lapwing, Afro Celt Sound System Producer: Tom Bonnett Executive Producers: Jane Gerber & Katie Derham Production Manager: Cara Ghoshal Production Assistant: Louis Facey Sponsors: Severn Trent Water & Swarovski Optik Music from: Podington Bear - Sneaker Chase Podington Bear - Golden Hour Podington_Bear_-_Fluorescence Podington Bear - Delta “” - Platformer “” Happiness Is Afro Celt Sound System - Podcast art by Make Productions Follow us: www.twitter.com/getbirdingpod www.facebook.com/getbirdingpod www.instagram.com/getbirdingpod  Follow Ajay Tegala on Twitter: @AjayTegala http://www.ajaytegala.co.uk Check out Lucy's YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/c/lucylapwing Insta: @Lucy_Lapwing Twitter: @Lucy_Lapwing Discover more about the West Midland Ringing Group here: http://www.westmidlandsringinggroup.co.uk/thermal-birding/4594503748 Find out more about Afro Celt Sound System: https://www.afroceltsoundsystem.org.uk/ Order your copy of Flight here: https://www.afroceltsoundsystem.org.uk/buy-album/ Find out more about Severn Trent's biodiversity projects: https://www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/biodiversity/ Severn Trent Water is committed to providing a secure supply of clean water across the Midlands. Looking after water means looking after the environment too. As a result, the organisation unveiled ambitious plans to improve biodiversity across the Midlands as part of its Big Green Nature Boost campaign, including reviving 12,000 acres of land (an area bigger than the size of Gloucester), planting 1.3 million trees and restoring 2000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027.    Find out more about Swarovski Optik: https://www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birding Swarovski Optik, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. In January, Swarovski Optik announced Dr Mya-Rose Craig as a partner opinion leader for 2021; she will aim to inspire people from all backgrounds to learn more about the benefits of enjoying nature activities. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.