Cuckoo.

[Merlin]

Here's another bird which will soon be arriving in this country for the summer but in nothing like the numbers of many other species. The Cuckoo is cause for concern as number are falling compared with the past history of the bird but we will leave that subject for now.

This is probably going to be the only opportunity I'll ever have of photographing the Cuckoo which was being fed by a Meadow Pipit, the bird who's nest it would have parasitised weeks earlier. The hatched Cuckoo would have immediately 'pushed' out the Meadow Pipits eggs leaving the poor adult pipit to tend to the ever growing Cuckoo, still feeding it at the size we see here in the image of the juvenile parasite.

Pete.

[rolf]

Nice shot Pete, I've yet to see a Cuckoo, heard them, but no more than that.

Are there types of location/terrain which are more likely to produce a sighting?

[Chocky]

Great shot Pete I have never seen one yet.

[Blue Jay]

Very nice. I have never seen a Cuckoo either

[Babs]

I've seen many on wildlife programmes but never seen one in real life. The adult birds feeding it, must be shattered and not get a moment peace. Thanks for sharing Pete

[Merlin]

WOW! Four of you never seen a Cuckoo. I'll respond to this in more detail tomorrow (Sunday) including Rolfs query about habitat......a little short of time at the moment.

Many thanks for your responses again. You're such a nice 'lot'.

Pete

[Merlin]

Like I said, the Cuckoo is a bit thin on the ground these days so not all that easy to find. That said, if one is around in the spring your sure going to hear and know by its call.

Re habitat, it depends on which species nest this evil and complex creature chooses to lay its egg in. But, for example if the host is a Meadow Pipit it would be rough grassland, Dunnock, bushy fringes or scrub, and Reed Warbler in reed-beds.

Perhaps they are even scarcer in the South but hope this helps you to 'pin one down' this summer Rolf and all.

Pete.