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.

Cuckoo - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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

Cuckoo - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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:

Cuckoo - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

As always, just click to enlarge.

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

Cuckoo - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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

Cuckoo - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

I particularly love their stripy pyjamas:

Cuckoo - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

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

Cuckoo - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

Beautiful.

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

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