Some Gone, Those Left Behind and The Stressed

Since mid April the cuckoo's call has dominated; more so even than in  previous years. The last one was heard a week ago now. So we conclude they have moved south. Migration is always an amazing thing but more so with young cuckoos who are still being fed by adopted parents some of which don't migrate in the same way or the same direction. They have to find their own way. But their resourcefulness is legendary and few birds are stronger willed.

The small birds of course are still around and among them the pipit may be the more likely to be bringing up a cuckoo.

Warblers are also still with us though singing much less.

Linnets are around, not so common as pipits but often more likely to be seen at this time as with stonechats.

So are mistle thrushes which congregate in July in extended family groups for picnics among the bilberries.

Up to 50 can be seen and it's a wonder there's anything left for us pie-makers.

Blackbirds too are bilberry mad though none can rival the greediest of the lot, the ubiquitous wood pigeon.

Goldfinches are also seen in quite large groups,  surprisingly well dressed considering the stressful business of bringing up children.

One who shows more stress than most is our friendly great tit, back to what he looked like a year ago. Can he recover from this again?