I think i’m going a little Cuckoo ………….

When you plan an adventure they tell you to check the weather, I guess that’s right so you take the right stuff, but don’t ever let weather put you off, my weather said 80% rain it lied, fortunately I have gear for all occasions (some would say too much stuff) so I went anyway, they were right about the light though it wasn’t very good at all, the adventure was to go and see if I could find Colin.

Colin ……..

Colin is pretty famous and probably the most photographed Common Cuckoo there is, he’s a pretty amazing bird, spending nine months of the year in tropical Africa, where apparently he never makes the Cuckoo song ! Then he flies over to the UK to mate, and right back to the same spot every year without google maps!

Those wings carry him mind blowing distances

When I arrived there were already about ten other photographers already waiting for him to show so at least I knew I was in the right place. The first thing you hear is his call, getting closer and closer and then as casual as you like in he comes.

Incoming…..

Colin is completely wild but has built up a symbiotic relationship with photographers who on the most part are respectful of his willingness to pose and be photographed and of course he gets food and deal that he’s more than happy about.

In for treats

It’s a very special thing when wildlife lets us view them up close and personal, pictures in books and even photographs don’t do this bird justice, he pops in has a few snacks, sits and looks at everyone poses and then flys off making his distinctive call, cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo, mmmmmmmm is that what he thinks of us all laying there with huge lenses taking photos of him ?