The First Cuckoo of 2012??

[marchogaeth]

Well, I didn't quite believe my ears but both my daughter and a neighbour (about half a mile away) heard it, too, either on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Not long calls but deffinitely a cuckoo.

We are so open and isolated here I can't think of any explanation like mobile phone tones for example so has it overwintered here for some reason or is it the first returning migrant?

[VirginVegGrower]

Nooooo! Already? An going to listen out here now. Windows open...

[ladylottie]

Crikey, that's early! We all know the little ditty:

The cuckoo comes in April
Sings his song in May
Whistles a tune in the middle of June
and then he flies away.

And cuckoos are getting rarer so you are twice as lucky! I shall be listening out for one now.

[veggiechicken]

I can't remember the last time I heard a cuckoo, let alone in February. Lucky you, M.

[marchogaeth]

I can't remember the last time I heard a cuckoo, let alone in February. Lucky you, M.

Really, wow, that is really sad, it is the sound of Spring isn't it? It's usually cuckoo city here in spring with at least three going all day, every day within easy ear shot and others in the distance. I shall deffinitely invite you up when it's peak time.

Nice not to be doubted, guys.

[veggiechicken]

Look forward to that Marchogaeth! Doesn't sound as if you need another cuckoo there though!

[alex-adam]

Of course, traditionally, on hearing the first cuckcoo in spring, one should pen a letter to the editor of The Times.

a-a

[marchogaeth]

Of course, traditionally, on hearing the first cuckcoo in spring, one should pen a letter to the editor of The Times.

a-a

Should one? Well I know the editor of one of our local papers and they have run a mile from the idea of one being here this early and Bird Track positively pooh-poohed the idea all be it electronically but hey you heard it here first.

[veggiechicken]

I want to believe that the first cuckoo of spring has arrived and is cuck-ooing happily in Wales - so I do believe it. So there, local paper and Birdtrack!
BTW when we were at the NBGW in January, in the shop, they sell those fluffy RSPB birds that you can squeeze and it makes a "realistic" sound of the bird in question. Needless to say, I have to give them all a squeeze - the poor cuckoo was totally exhausted and could only managed a strangled "cuck". Sounded so funny I just had to keep squeezing!!!

[Nicos]

Just heard our first one of this year

[VirginVegGrower]

Whoa Nicos - more reasons to move to France

[burnie]

Cuckoo would not over winter in the uk due to lack of food rather than the weather,you are unlikely to hear a Cuckoo at all now and sadly no-one seems to know why.

[ladylottie]

What Burnie said ^^^. I just found out that it's only the males that say cuckoo. The females make a bubbling sound. .

[veggiechicken]

LL, whatever the species, its well known that Males are Cuckoo and females bubble!
I'll get my umbrella....

[Peas'n'Kews]

We had a cuckoo here last year - so lovely to hear! No sign yet...

And I do agree with VC, its definately the men who are cuckoo!