Hi all, I caught up with a lovely confiding Cuckoo today, I watched him from very close range catching various types of caterpillars.
Here are a few of the better shots that I thought you may enjoy.
In flight with Caterpillar
.
Eating said Caterpillar
With Northern Eggar moth Caterpillar.
And looking stuffed!
One of my very favourite birds, and a real pleasure to photograph.
Jimmy.
Jimbob
What a cracking set of pics of an increasingly rare bird. That flight shot is both stunning and unusual - well done!
Colin
Hi Jimmy
Wow! What fabulous shots of a rare bird indeed! I've never seen one! Well done you.
Best wishes Chris
Click Here to see my photos
WOW fantasic shots you were very lucky to see one.
Of all creatures, man is the most detestable, he is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. ~ Mark Twain
Hi Jimbob. Brilliant photographs. The cuckoo is still one bird I have never managed to see. So frustrating when I can hear them but can't trace their location. Thank you.
Thanks for the comments guys, believe it or not I can attract one in (if they are in the area!) by an imitation.
It's a bit like doing a Tawny owl with your cupped hands,but obviously one high note, then a lower one.
When they have just arrived from migration they are susceptible to this 'call', but after they have been here for a while they start to ignore it.
This is what happened here, I heard him calling nearby - so tried the impersonation and in he came.
I had a sore neck from staying in the same position so long photographing the bird!
Amazing how they spot the caterpillars, they don't even seem to be looking, then down they go headlong into the grass and then back up to the perch with some hairy morsel.
Fascinating birds.
Really great photos, Jimbob. I'm so envious: I haven't seen a cuckoo (in this country) for years. Very well done.
Regards TJ
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Amasing photos Jimbob. You should send them to any of the Birdwatching mags Mate.
Thankyou for sharing them
Cheers
AL
If its no fun Yer no doin it right!
Wow, fantastic Cuckoo photos Jimbob!
They really are outstanding! I've never seen a Cuckoo before - infact only heard one for the first time ever recently!
You should send these photos to the BBC Wildlife magazine too :o)
Absolutely stonking cuckoo shots!! Wow! will come back later to have a better look (I'm having a sneaky peek at mo....)
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
Hi Jimmy,
Fantastic photos, you're lucky to have seen such a lovely bird.... We were out walking the dogs yesterday and heard one but have yet to have seen one!
Daniel