Where have the cuckoos gone? Forums

suffolkian

We were talking about cuckoos this weekend as neither of us had heard one this year. It's still early yet, I go by the old adage

The cuckoo comes in April
It sings it's song in May
In June it lays it's eggs
And in July it flies away

So going by that little ditty there is still plenty of time to hear them

Ian and Steve

jemshome

Up here on the west coast we have had an early May heatwave - up into the low 20s yesterday.

Migrants must have anticipated it, cuckoos, house martins, swallows and grasshopper warblers all arrived last week at the same time as the first siskin fledglings put in an appearance.

jem

tonyt

thieawin

I suspect all the cuckoos are in the claim back britain thread and that seems scarce just now

Wizzo

I've not heard a cuckoo yet this year but I did see plenty of swallows at the weekend in North Notts. Saw a solitary house martin as we were driving back but have not seen any swifts yet. We used to get swifts nesting under the eaves in our old house and they didn't usually arrive till May so this year does not seem to be unusual in that respect.

We also had a cat that took up residence with us in our old house and one year he caught 7 swifts. As they never land or perch I am baffled as to how and where he caught them but he left them as trophies on the lawn.

JohnW

lindyloot

I haven't heard one yet this year also. We live in a small village with lots of country side around and have usually heard one by now. The coalman on Saturday had though.( lots of woodpeckers been pecking since March and the swifts are back early this year))
Lin

runoutofnames

I've only heard one cuckoo in the North West this year but my parrot is back so I am happy .... sadly his mate and baby havn't appeared yet.

bandaid

Pusser

I too think I have not heard one this year. I did once think I had found one but it turned out to be the neighbour discussing issues with her partner which sounded very similar to cuckoo when he got angry.

bandaid

subtle