Jennifer,You are not alone. I frequently have an overnight roost on the sofa because I'm not much of a night owl. Nevertheless your question about birdsong at night is interesting.Street lighting can trick birds into thinking that it's still daytime or that morning has dawned. This is not all bad news for birds because the lights attract insects which provide a plentiful supply of food for insect-eaters. This is also good news for bats, moths, and other insects that like to snack on their smaller cousins.Robins are the most often heard birds at night in Brentford but song thrushes and blackbirds are also partial to an all-night gig. Then there is the nightingale but this summer visitor has, sadly, been in steep decline for at least 50 years. You would now be very lucky to hear one, even in Berkeley Square. You would also be fortunate to hear a tawny owl in Brentford, even after a few drinks at your local.Some birds, such as geese and swans, will fly (and call) at night. This allows them to take advantage of good weather conditions and to avoid predators which enjoy a good nightly kip.While we need lights for safety and security we generally have far too much lighting in our cities and in the countryside. Along the Thames Path at Richmond LEDs have been installed which illuminate the footpath but not the adjacent water. Intelligent motion sensors can distinguish between cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians, using appropriate illumination for each. This preserves dark wildlife corridors and can save up to 80% of running costs.When I was lad I was told that crows like to sit on telephone poles because they like to make long distance caws.
Jim Storrar ● 2244d