Then There Were Three

Many say they don't see Cuckoos. They hear them but may never have seen one. And Cuckoos are known to be secretive birds not fond of betraying their presence.

But visit Blacka in the first weeks of May keeping near the woodland edge and watch out for any largish bird going from tree top to tree top. If it has a long tail you can be sure that's what it is. Obviously it helps if it calls out "cuckoo".

This morning was lousy for identifying birds. A grey mist was driven across the moor from the east giving us to think that the seacoast was just a stone's throw away. But a cuckoo was calling persistently. After a bit he appeared, flying into a tree. His call accelerated into "cuck-cuck-cuckoo" obviously excited.

Then there were three of them fluttering around. Then silence. Mission accomplished?

Shortly afterwards the calling came back. One alighted on the top of a birch. Then another was seen.

Just enough light to identify - but not for a good picture. But see this post from exactly a year ago to the day.