Wednesday 24 April 2013

I Wanted To Hear You First

With another warm sunny day and long may it last, I made a quick trip to Reculver late this afternoon to see what was around. The highlight was a bird I always prefer to hear than see when it first arrives, the Cuckoo (144). I had views of a bird as it flew out of a hedge and away from me until it was lost from view. Nonetheless always good to see a Cuckoo and hopefully this will be the first of many sightings like last year when I had a few fantastic experiences with this species. I had noted a few birds sitting on the seawall last year during a few sessions watching the Meadow Pipits coming and going from their nest sites. One pair seemed to be working in tandem with one going to the nest, only to be chased off by the host which gave the other bird time to go in and presumably lay an egg. This was the first time I had seen this in action as a pair but over a few weeks I was able to get quite close to this normally shy bird and get a number of pleasing shots, some of which are posted below. They were so intent on their job that they seemed to accept me standing quite close. They soon moved on in the area but it would be nice to get some more experiences like last year and the odd shot as well. Other bits noted today were 11 Turnstone, 15 Redshank, 1 Grey Heron, 5 Shelduck, 2 Oystercatcher, 4 Swallow, 1 Marsh Harrier, 1 Green Woodpecker, c10 Yellow Wagtail and a few singing Whitethroat and Sedge Warbler. On the butterfly front 5 Peacock and 1 Small Tortoiseshell were noted.



Cuckoo

5 comments:

  1. I don't get it, how come you get something like a Cuckoo, when I can't get close enough. You're magical, no, a genius.

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  2. Great shot's Marc l may try for shots at old lodge ashdown

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  3. I am in awe... I don't believe my eyes!!!
    I have never managed to get close enough to see one with details, let alone to take a photo!
    Sincere congratulations Marc!

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  4. Terrific shots Marc as always, like everyone says, I wish I could get so close.
    All the best Gordon.

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  5. I was a bit miffed when I saw a cuckoo before hearing one last spring Marc, not quite the same is it :-)

    Fab photo's there of said bird mate :-)

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