Return to Cuckooville

Wild Cuckoos are truly wild birds. They don’t tolerate human presence. I’m hidden in camouflage and bracken waiting for them to come and perch near me. I’ve got to be very, very still for hours.

I’ve chosen the place for the direction of light and the background possibilities.

It’s good weather, which is a relief because they are fast. Here’s my favourite shot, feet down, about to land, and everything in perfect focus. I love being able to see every detail of their plumage:

As always, just click to enlarge.

They need to be completely comfortable with my presence before they will alight and scoff caterpillars.

Their speed is phenomenal, with powerful wings and an aerodynamic body shape:

I particularly love their stripy pyjamas:

And just to show exactly how comfortable this one is with my presence, it goes to sleep on a rock in front of me.

Beautiful.

I hope you’ll join with me in wishing them safe travels on their epic migration.

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