Where are all the cukoos?

[Graham H]

Where are all the cuckoos this year? In my work as a professional gardener I have in the past heard or seen cuckoos in about 6 locations here in West Sussex.This year I have heard one briefly on only two occasions !

[cybershot]

The Sound of Spring..... - Wild About The World

May give you some inkling of the situation.

I've only heard two this year; one locally where previuosly they have been more prolific and one on Thursley NNR this week.

David

[Loganberry]

I heard one for the first time last week but haven't heard it again.

[Cazzie]

No idea about the cuckoos... but wanted to say Hi and welcome you to WAB all the same

[dmclean2]

Hi Graham,
Welcome to WAB hope you enjoy the company,
In my local patch, Fowlmead Country Park, I have heard at least two and both at the same time in two differnt locations,
Now! seeing them , That's a different ball game
Duncan

[skinidin]

We are very lucky here in that we always have a lot of cuckoos

and I actually saw one last week sitting and calling in the big ash tree near our house. As the leaves are far from out yet up here it bwas easy to spot.

I was thrilled, because even here you rarely manage to see one.

[ron1863]

Have been hearing my "local" Cuckoo in it's usual spot, it's been returning for a good few years, though a bit late this year.

[barquar]

cuckoo seen in park hall country park Staffs by 2 people and heard by my huaband.
Barquar

[sunnydale]

I heard my first Cuckoo of the year on Sunday. I hear them every year but have still never seen one!

[amerrett]

Ok, so the photo is rubbish but it was taken at very short notice.

I was walking back from Middleton quarry works on Sunday afternoon along the path back to the hall, when I heard the Cuckoo calling from above me.

My camera was on a monopod and its settings were as I had left them in the open by the lake...not ideal for low light..I took the shot holding the camera vertically, best as I could with the weight of the pod. Moments later the bird flew away.