Colin the Cuckoo

If you spend any time at all on social media, you would be hard pressed to know nothing about the most famous cuckoo in the UK. Having visited one particular site in Surrey for seven years in a row, Colin the Cuckoo returned yet again in April of this year. He has been visited by the rich and famous and there must be tens of thousands of images of him circulating online. Mine are now among those photographs.

I had been mulling over the idea of a visit early last year, but at that time, the only suitable gear was my little Powershot. Thinking it wouldn’t do Colin justice, I passed on the opportunity, but once he had left for Africa in the second half of June, I immediately regretted my decision. After all, he was the oldest cuckoo known to bird experts and I probably wouldn’t have the chance again.

Then, a Facebook post a few weeks ago made me sit up. This time, I had my 150-600mm Sigma lens, which was perfect for bird photography. I had no excuses and so, on the first fine day, I set out on the long drive to Thursley Common. I knew exactly where to park, but once on the reserve, paths criss-crossed on a regular basis. I had to keep stopping people to ask for directions and I arrived at Parish field later than expected, as well as being hot and bothered.

There were around 30 people already in position, forming a rough semi-circle, with assorted branches in the middle, less than ten metres away. It wasn’t long until we heard the familar sound and Colin flew in for his first visit. For the next four or five hours, I stood there while he popped in on a regular basis for a snack of tasty mealworms. I had been looking forward to seeing him, but had been worried about sitting with a crowd of bird enthusiasts. I needn’t have worried. Everyone was very friendly and the more experienced there saw to the changing of perches and topping up of treats.

The first two photographs are of a wonderful crow, doing what crows do best, before someone chased him off.

The rest are of Colin in all his glory and I make no apologies for posting everything I kept from that day. I have every intention of going back before he flies home to Africa.