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| A nightingale cools off from a tap water in Islamabad, 26 June 2005 |
The chance of hearing the melodic sound of the nightingale is dwindling as the birds become increasingly rare in England's woodlands.
Fifty years ago, around 100,000 singing males could be heard during the six weeks of courtship in the spring but the numbers have since declined by 90%.
Alan Johnson, a conservation manager for the RSPB, said part of the problem is that woodlands are managed differently now and there is also a soaring deer population which eats the plants nightingales rely upon.
He said: "A loss of really good quality habitat is one of the biggest issues.
"Nightingales like to hide away and they need really dense scrub to hide in and that is much rarer in the countryside."
The RSPB is also concerned that a crucial site for the birds at Lodge Hill in Kent is one of four locations in the area being considered for new homes.
Mr Johnson said: "We need to work with local authorities, we need to work strategically and we need to think sustainably about our developments.
"The last thing we need to do is put more pressure on a declining, vulnerable species like nightingales by building houses on one of the best sites we have got."
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| A Roe Deer run over grassy dunes as the sun rises at Spurn Point on October 12, 2012 in Spurn Head, England |
Medway Council has said it is at an early stage of its Local Plan process and is asking the public for feedback about all four development options.
The bird itself is not the most striking of creatures but its song has inspired poets and composers for centuries.
Folk musician Sam Lee is so captivated by its "liquid notes, magnificent trills and very melancholic swoop, drones and repetitions" that he incorporates it into his music, either using recordings or by performing in woodland at night to play alongside the birds.
He also fears for their future.
Lee said: "It will perhaps be another 40 years before they have potentially left these shores and then we will have lost our most wonderful indigenous song and one that we have lived next to and appreciated for so long."
A festival is being held to raise awareness of the plight, with guided walks and concerts by musicians like Lee.
Bird lover and conservationist Bill Oddie is urging the public to support schemes to protect and recreate their natural environment.
The television presenter said: "We are going to need funds, we are also going to have to fight developments and we are also going to have to seek the support of politicians."
Nightingales are now found at just a handful of sites in southern England and East Anglia and only 5,500 singing males remain.
