I am a great believer in using old language with proper old expressions and was reminded of the fact when I asked my wife when going to bed what her plan of action for the following day might be and would it require us “getting up with the lark.”
The moment I said it my mind was set wondering as to where the expression had come from, logic dictating that the lark must be the first bird to awake in the morning, hence “up with the lark.”
It turns out that this is not correct and is in fact far more complicated for the Lark it seems is not the first bird to sing in the morning chorus with the first to sing being a Robin, then Blackbird, followed by the Thrushes who all apparently start singing at 4.30 in the morning.
These birds are then followed by woodpigeons, great tits, blue tits, sparrows and finches, the earlier birds are up to catch worms while the later birds wait for the morning to warm up as they wish to catch insects who are also late risers.
On the subject of birds eating habits we have “the early bird who catches the worm,” another old expression which I find odd in that it is viewed from the bird’s perspective and not from the worm who has also made the effort to get up early only to end up as a birds breakfast.
During my research for this post I was reminded of another expression which I use, “to get up at the crack of sparrows,” which by all accounts is from Australia, the full form of which is, “to get up at the crack of sparrows farts,” which relates to the sparrows habit of breaking wind when it wakes up, although who on earth first climbed a tree to discover this fact I have no idea.
I am not a great lover of early rising but at least my efforts to get up early are not as complicated as those of the bird community especially the sparrow, which has just reminded me of another expression, “I’ve heard ducks fart before,” an explanation of which I shall leave for another day.
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About The Diary of a Country Bumpkin
I am a retired actor, although to be honest I only retired because I wasn't getting any work due to losing my agent when I became a full time carer to my mother who had dementia. and the option of becoming an unemployed actor/waiter at my age was ludicrous, especially as my waiting skills are non-existent.
Having said I’m retired, I don’t think there really is such a thing as a retired actor for I am still available for work, I just don’t have an agent or any connections with regards to obtaining any worthwhile work.
I have over the years done student films when there is nothing else available, always low paid (if at all) the only incentive was always the promised copy of the finished film for your show reel which nine times out of ten always failed to materialise.
I spent many years looking after my aged mother and shortly after her death I was lucky enough to run into an ex-girlfriend of many years ago and our romance blossomed once again, resulting in us getting married in 2013.
My move to the countryside inspired me to write The Diary of a Country Bumpkin which tells of my continuing dilemmas in dealing with the rigors of the countryside from the unexpectedly large number of pollens, fungal moulds and hay products waiting to attack the unsuspecting townie.
I enjoy writing, see my play Dulce Et Decorum Est Pro Patria Mori on The Wireless Theatre Company, The Plays Wot I Wrote and The Battle of Barking Creek both available on Amazon.co.uk and am very fond of classic cars so my ideal occupation would be acting in a film I had written set in the 1930s/40s, we live in hopes.
I am delighted to say that since venturing to the countryside where space is not quite the premium it is in town, I have due to the availability of two double garages acquired more classic cars to form a small collection the pride of which are a 1947 Bentley Mk VI and a 2000 Bentley Arnage.
My various blogs and websites are continually evolving and I’m sure that by following the appropriate links you will find something which will edify or amuse.
I have written a number of different books all available on Amazon, so don't be shy should you feel the urge to purchase. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mr-Joe-Wells/e/B06XKWFQHT/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
The Diary of a Country Bumpkin 
I’m always awake early and now, thanks to your amusing and interesting
post, I shall sit outside with my coffee and listen out for the early bird.
I can’t wait for the duck fart explanation!
Sadly the duck explanation is nowhere as exciting as it sounds, all it refers to is people who are lying or exaggerating and you are saying, I don’t believe you.
I love it anyway and will keep it mind next time I come across a pushy salesman. 😀
An idea use for the phrase.
Agreed!😀