I DID NOT take this wonderful photo, but found it here.
I'll leave you with a beautiful song in Middle English.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Things are cuckoo around here!
This morning there was a commotion out in the old apple tree. The bluejays and bluebirds were all upset. The cause was a new-to-us bird sitting on a branch. We looked it up, and lo and behold it was a black-billed cuckoo. We clapped our hands and it flew away, though not far. I think the birds were concerned because there are nests nearby. It didn't make the 'cuckoo' sound but the alternative sort of croaky sound that cuckoos make. This is the closest we found to the sound we heard.
I DID NOT take this wonderful photo, but found it here.
I'll leave you with a beautiful song in Middle English.
I DID NOT take this wonderful photo, but found it here.
I'll leave you with a beautiful song in Middle English.
Loved the song. Thanks for relating your bird "drama"! LOL
ReplyDeleteSuch a thrill to see a bird I've only read about, and heard in England.
DeleteHe's a pretty little bird, isn't he? LOVE your new header. Such a vibrant pink!
ReplyDeleteYes, just beautiful, and that eye! The roses are stealing the show just now.
DeleteWe only have the Yellow-billed Cuckoo here. The black-billed cuckoo is always a treat to see during migration.
ReplyDeleteI've only read about them in books, and heard them in England. I didn't know they even lived here. Love that red eye!
DeleteWe actually have some kind of bird that you only hear at night, and it makes a croaky sound --but it isn't a frog we are sure...LOL
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any bluebirds and only rarely blue jays, which seems odd here.
Nighthawk?
Deletehttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/common_nighthawk/sounds
I love seeing the birds through your eyes. My father loves the wrens who live in his yard; he once named the female Mrs. Miniver. I know you two would be friends, too.
ReplyDeleteSo very sweet, the naming of a bird. I love it.
DeleteI heard the "proper" cuckoo-sound in spring when I was walking through the park... it was heartstring-tugging, different but on the same level as the buzzard's cry does to me whenever I hear them.
ReplyDeleteI heard it in England years ago, but before that I'd only heard the clock!
DeleteHow wonderful!
ReplyDeleteWe have bluebirds here, and owls - my favourites - and there is some chap that sings in the dead of night. Loud and melodic arias. I would love to see a cuckoo!
Might it be a wood thrush?
Deletehttp://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/wood_thrush/id
The madrigal singers at the high school often sing this, Nan, and it brings me joy every time. I've never seen a cuckoo. What a treat for you.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it just a beautiful song!
DeleteIt was a treat, and I wonder if we'll ever see it again. Makes me wonder how many birds are on the land that we never see.
Wow Nan I didn't realize the cuckoo has such a huge bill! By the way the rose in your header is just gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteAnd that red eye!
DeleteThanks, the roses rule just now.
well now . . . maybe it will make it's way up here. We've seen cardinals for the first time this year.
ReplyDeleteLove your rose banner - so delicious looking - I want to bury my nose in it and take a deep inhale! :)
Oh, I'd so love cardinals. I've always thought we were too cold on this windy hill.
DeleteThanks about the rose. I just changed it - same rose bush, different view.
What a pretty bird. I've never seen one before. The music was so much fun to listen to.
ReplyDeleteI really love the song. I wonder if there are cuckoos in Hawaii.
DeleteLike Kay, I don't think I've seen or heard one as well. Thanks for the share,
ReplyDeletePatrick
Thanks for coming by, and taking the time to leave a note. I'll be over to visit.
DeleteNan - We are not very skilled bird people. Visitors to the Rose Viewing pointed out that it was a pair of cedar waxwings on the wisteria covered arbor pulling threads out of the very very worn and tattered prayer flags. No song identified. I love your rosy banner.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sight they must have been! I've just recently put up some prayer flags on the porch swing. We'll see if they appeal to birds. :<)
DeleteThanks about the rose. I just changed it - same Wm. Baffin tree, same day, different view.
Wonderful! I used to sing that song at school, and coincidentally heard a cuckoo just yesterday (down in deepest Hampshire), the first in years.
ReplyDeleteIt is so beautiful. Are there cuckoos in Scotland?
DeleteHi Nan,
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a black-billed cuckoo. I do occasionally run across yellow-billed cuckoos in my "walks inthe woods" though. Always a thrill since they are a "rare" sight.
-Jay
I wish we'd see 'ours' again, but it hasn't shown itself. Who knows - maybe it has lived in the woods for years.
DeleteThat is a great bird sighting Nan. We've seen the yellow-billed a few times in our travels
ReplyDeleteLucky you! It hasn't shown itself since, but it could be around.
Delete