'Cu-ckoo! Cu-ckoo!'
One bird that needs little introduction is the cuckoo.
Sadly, however, cuckoo numbers are on the decline and in 2009 it joined the red list of endangered British birds.
We don't really know the reasons for their decline - it could be that the African forests where they spend winter are disappearing, or that the caterpillars they eat are harder to find. It's also possible that with spring starting earlier each year due to climate change that the cuckoo's hosts are breeding before cuckoo's even have a chance to lay their eggs.
However, it's not all bad news - cuckoos are still being heard around the country . Even our new Conservation Director had a recent encounter with one!
So while you're out and about this weekend do keep an ear out for that distinctive 'cu-ckoo' call.
You can let us know if you hear one by leaving a comment below.
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Heard and seen this week Hooe Marshes ,East Sussex TQ662077
Cuckoo seen and heard this week .... Hooe Marshes ,East Sussex...TQ662077
I have heard at least 2 down at Godmanchester Nature reserve, Nr Huntingdon Cambs (down the end of cow lane if you live around the area, been down 3 times this week in the evening to try and see it, but no luck so far, rumour also has it there is a nightingale down there.. :)
We heard a cuckoo yesterday morning at Press Manor Fisheries, Ashover, Nr Chesterfield. Apparently it's been there for the past two years and that was the first time it had been heard this year. We didn't get to see it though. It's the first cuckoo i've heard for many a year, lovely!! :0)
I live in Upminster in Essex. I've heard two cuckoos over the past week. the first was near Belhus Woods which is adjacent to the M25 and the second was outside my house! Both times the bird was in the distance and moving away from me. A real pleasure and honour to hear!