Cuckoos - very silent this year - even those that ARE here.

[Vagabond]

that would just be pseudo-science to you Vagabond.

 

You have just made what a scientist would call "an unwarranted assumption".

 

For much of my life as a scientist (in which I have a Master's degree) I often had to evaluate scientific papers, and regrettably, some could only be classed as "pseudoscientific". Equally regrettably, the percentage of these increased when commercial and political funding increasingly replaced "blue sky" research.

 

I am just so glad I reached retirement age before I had to face a choice between scientific integrity and continued employment.

[Ken L]

Not seen or heard a one this year - and they're usually audible in the local nature reserve.

 

Still, it gives those poor wee mites a rest from havin' a dirty old bird a honkin' and a gobin' on 'em whilst they're mindin their own business on a bit o' grass.

[RUDD]

Only heard one myself this year but like Steve said there's loads of Nightingales.

[Ken L]

Just heard the first one this year - at the local nature reserve.

[Vagabond]

We have now heard them the last two mornings on Ashdown Forest - perhaps like many other things they are a month late this year.

 

The calls were the "first call" type, not the "in June I change my tune" double calls.

 

Incidentally, despite being out in the woods and fields on a daily basis, I have yet to record an insect bite in the UK this year, nor have we seen that many gnat/mosquito/buzzer-type things. One of the few up-sides of this persistent NE wind.

[Vagabond]

Only heard one myself this year but like Steve said there's loads of Nightingales.

Yes, we heard (and saw) the first ones back in mid-April, at Wingham before the fish-in. Plenty since

 

Incidentally, on a visit to North Warren/Minsmere/Dunwich Heath about ten days ago, we saw all the usual suspects (Bittern, Hobby, Stone Curlew, lots of warblers) but a walk over Dunwich Heath yielded no Dartford Warblers. It WAS a cold blustery day though, so any small bird would do well to keep its head down. Have you seen any there recently ?

[Steve Burke]

Dave, this has been a particularly good year for hobbies at Wingham. I don't recall a day when at least one hasn't been about, and sometimes half a dozen have been in the same line of sight. They also seem to have come lots closer to humans this year.

[dave k]

i've heard the cuckoo every year since we moved out to the fens but never actually saw one untill two weks ago it was sat on the power lines just behind the bungalow. it has been very vocal as well. more than most years.

[RUDD]

Yes, we heard (and saw) the first ones back in mid-April, at Wingham before the fish-in. Plenty since

 

Incidentally, on a visit to North Warren/Minsmere/Dunwich Heath about ten days ago, we saw all the usual suspects (Bittern, Hobby, Stone Curlew, lots of warblers) but a walk over Dunwich Heath yielded no Dartford Warblers. It WAS a cold blustery day though, so any small bird would do well to keep its head down. Have you seen any there recently ?

Being colour blind I have trouble with bird identification - saw several warblers last night but don't know type. Did see whitethroats, back caps, advocets and many many more at Trimley reserve.

Watched a cocky young fox take several lapwing chicks then the cheeky bugger sat down studying me, it hunted right in front of me for around forty mins and was constantly harrased by gulls and lapwings.

It only run off when a bigger more ragged fox made an appearance.

I believe Shingle street is a good spot for Dartfords.

 

Have you ever visited Landguard Or Trimley reserves?

Edited June 11, 2013 by RUDD

[Vagabond]

 

I believe Shingle street is a good spot for Dartfords.

 

Have you ever visited Landguard Or Trimley reserves?

Not yet - have put them on our "places to go" list - thanks.

Caught winter cod from near Shingle Street many years ago, though.