-
Welcome to BirdForum, the internet's largest birding community with thousands of members from all over the world. The forums are dedicated to wild birds, birding, binoculars and equipment and all that goes with it.
Please register for an account to take part in the discussions in the forum, post your pictures in the gallery and more.
Uk Cuckoos (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter LSB
- Start date
Gill Osborne
Well-known member
Well THAT accounts for why I haven't heard or seen one for the past three years in Northumberland! And there was me thinking I was just a rubbish birder LOL
Last one I heard ( didn't see) was in the Lake District in June 2002. I was hoping that since we moved to more open countryside I may have a better chance of hearing/seeing one this year?
GILL
Last one I heard ( didn't see) was in the Lake District in June 2002. I was hoping that since we moved to more open countryside I may have a better chance of hearing/seeing one this year?
GILL
Nutcracker
Stop Brexit!
True, they've declined a lot. Particularly in lowlands - they've almost completely disappeared from lowland Northumberland, to rely on seeing/hearing them now you have to visit the moors. Even up there, it can be a struggle to find any.
treecreeper
unashamed dude
They actually seem to be doing quite well in my local area. For the last two summers I have seen them regularly on my local patch, where Meadow pipits are abundant at that time of year. Check out www.gatesheadbirders.co.uk and check for reports of Cuckoo from 2004.
RockyRacoon
Well-known member
So I shouldn't be ashamed of not seeing a Cuckoo last year! But I guess I should still keep quiet about Lesser Whitethroat...
hornet
Well-known member
Jake Apps said:
No shame there Jake. I'm fine for cuckoos round here as a rule, but could I find a Lesser Whitethroat? Nah. And don't get me started on Water Rails...
A cuckoo on my lunchtime near-to-office patch was my fave find of 2004. They're wonderful birds - does anyone have any more info on the original question about a 56 percent drop?
Is this a drop from a long term average or from an unusually high point? If there has been such a drop, any theories as to why - changes in the UK or in the wintering grounds?
Ronald Zee
Well-known member
IanF said:
Dear oh dear.
Ever since I joined BF I thought my knowledge of birds had improved by 1000% and now I read this.
I always thought Cuckoos laid their eggs in other birds' nests, but now I read of breeding pairs. Never knew Cuckoos did this.
If this continues I will give up birdwatching, it is becoming too complicated.
Nightranger
Senior Moment
AnnieW said:
Hi Annie,
I don't think there is a firm correlation but it is interesting that woodland cuckoos are declining at a rate three times faster than birds breeding in other habitats. There has been a general shift of woodland birds into other habitats too and it is not easy to tell what has caused this. Woodlands do not seem to be as healthy as they used to be but it is not simply a case of habitat loss reaching a critical point. Anyway back to the cuckoos, I have heard rumours of a survey for this coming year so watch this space for further news.
Ian
James Blake
chasing the shadow of a lowskimming gull
Anecdotally, I'd say there has been quite a decline in several very unwooded parts of Cambridgeshire recently.
details of UK birds' population trends can be found here: http://www.bto.org/birdtrends2004/index.htm
Alan G
Well-known member
Only saw the one in Northumberland last year but saw dozens while in the Trossachs in June.
I heard this reported on the radio on the way to work last week but only caught the tail end of it so didn't hear the figures.
A decline in the number of host species was attributed to it's decline but, as above, that's about all I caught of the report.
|=(|
Alan
I heard this reported on the radio on the way to work last week but only caught the tail end of it so didn't hear the figures.
A decline in the number of host species was attributed to it's decline but, as above, that's about all I caught of the report.
|=(|
Alan
StevieEvans
Well-known member
Does seem to have been a marked local decline in recent years, but arrival dates are now much earlier.
Any of NEastern members might want to check out Waldridge Fell (Between Durham City & Chester-le-street) its impossible to visit (in season) & not see at least one.
Have watched 3 males singing to one female here, but theres sometimes 4 & 5 males.
This is the last relatively large Lowland Heath in Co. Durham & has masses of passerines for the Cuckoos to select a nest. (120+ singing Willow Warblers etc)
A pleasant place to visit, though V. popular with dog-walkers, its tremendous for roding Woodcock, Green Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Bullfinch. Specialities in smaller numbers include Stonechat & Whinchat, Redstart & Tree Pipit.
SE.
Any of NEastern members might want to check out Waldridge Fell (Between Durham City & Chester-le-street) its impossible to visit (in season) & not see at least one.
Have watched 3 males singing to one female here, but theres sometimes 4 & 5 males.
This is the last relatively large Lowland Heath in Co. Durham & has masses of passerines for the Cuckoos to select a nest. (120+ singing Willow Warblers etc)
A pleasant place to visit, though V. popular with dog-walkers, its tremendous for roding Woodcock, Green Woodpecker, Willow Tit, Bullfinch. Specialities in smaller numbers include Stonechat & Whinchat, Redstart & Tree Pipit.
SE.
