I live in Argyll and have a juvenile or female cuckoo coming to the garden each day , I thought cuckoos were supposed to migrate ? We normally hear them every spring as we live on the edge of hundreds of acres of Forestry Comission Land. I thought at first it was a Sparrowhawk as they do visit occasionally but it now comes to feed each day and particularly likes apples . The blackbirds are not happy with this new guest as apples are a big favourite with them as well.
Hi ducky
Welcome to the forum - you are lucky to have a cuckoo, especially more so as they are sadly in decline. I've never seen one but it is on my list.
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
Hi Ducky welcome to the forum.
I'm not questioning your ID skills and you are correct in saying Cuckoo's migrate.
So I would be somewhat surprised if the bird you are seeing is a Cuckoo! especially one that eats apples.
The main diet of Cukoo's is caterpillars.
It would be of great benefit if you could take a photo and upload it so we can give a definate ID.
If you can't take a photo, the a detailed description is the next best thing.
I would be more inclined thinking it is of the Thrush family if eats eating fruit?
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Thanks for the welcome Kezmo,
There have also been Jays in the garden recently, seems to be an unusual year for migration.
regards ducky
Hi Buzzard,
I have a movie of cuckoo but it's not that great and it's only brief,will get some piccies tomorrow and upload them. I am also stunned that the cuckoo is here. We have a huge variety of birds that come to the garden due to proximity to a loch and forestry land (including buzzards for the rabbits). The bird in question is definately not a thrush,much bigger.
regards
Ducky
Unknown said:will get some piccies tomorrow and upload them. I am also stunned that the cuckoo is here.
Pictures would be great.
Buzzard
Ooh! Sounds intriguing!! Look forward to the pics! Welcome to the forum Ducky!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
My photos on Flickr
I feel the same Marjus, intriging is the better word!
Ducky love to see your pictures, and your film if you can load your film on the RSPB
Kathy and Dave
Apparently it is me who is Cuckoo !! my bird is nothing more than a Fieldfare. Buzzard, you were on the right lines with the Thrush family.
I can only say in my defence that a) it is one of the biggest Fieldfares I have ever seen, I think the blighter stopped off for a few fish suppers on the way here and also he/she is all alone, I've only ever seen/heard them in flocks.
Shame really, I rather liked the idea of it being a Cuckoo who liked my garden so much that he decided to stay and change his diet !
Oh well, I'll just have to settle for hearing them again in the Spring.
Thanks to all who anwered
Hi Ducky
Thank for posting your film. No worries about the miss-ID we are all learning here form one another.
I see that there is a Blackbird in your film.
The main star, yes, it is a Fieldfare that popped out of the bushes. One thing can I say here is that Fieldfares are always in a group. If you heard any 'rasping clacking' noises that is what Fieldfares are good at doing.
Their calls are very distinctive, and unmistakeable.
Glad that it is all sorted now.
ducky, I must admit to being very doubtful about seeing a cuckoo at this time of year, but we have all made ID mistakes and that is one of the joys of this site, there are so many friendly people to help identify or enjoy your sightings. There are many of us who would be very happy to see a fieldfare in our garden. Just going to watch your video. Thanks.