Although known for their recognizable cuck-oo sound, these shy solitary birds are more often heard than seen. For me, this is yet another reason for me wanting to gain a closer insight into this secretive bird. By the time April arrives, I am already anticipating their arrival into the UK, they arrive around the end of April, after their 3,000 km migration from Africa.
Whilst over here Cuckoos have a crafty breeding strategy, they don’t bring up their own offspring. Laying eggs and mimicking other birds eggs. These nests are from meadow pipits, redstarts, reed warbler and many other small birds depending on the habitat they stay in. This is called a brood parasite. They are the only bird in the UK to lay their eggs in other nests. One female can lay up to 22 eggs across a range of species, these eggs remarkably resembling that of the hosts. Once the young cuckoo has hatched, it will roll the remaining eggs out so it’s the only sibling raised.
Over the past 5 consecutive years I have studied them in their natural habitat, this usually being on the edge of forest clearings on open moorland. The chosen area of study is amidst the beautiful Welsh countryside. They will find favoured spots within their habitat, usually that of a lone tree. It is here that I position myself to enable me to observe in close proximity, thus allowing me to undertake the perfect photograph. There is only a small window of opportunity for me to embark upon this project. This is due to the fact that the Cuckoo heads back south again on their migration home, with the juvenile leaving a few months later to warmer climates. My chosen strategy is to watch them when they are at their most active; this is commonly at first light and during dusk. This means sitting and waiting long hours. Hundreds of hours later and I am thrilled to finally find that all my hard work, effort and determination has paid off. My creative vision has been realised and I have achieved a variety of photographs that I am pleased with. This said, my intention is to continue to observe and photograph these coy birds, in hope of gaining more insight.
Words and Images: Ryan Williams
Facebook: @ryan.s.williams.31
First published in Welsh Country Magazine Sept-Oct 2017
