I still find it amazing that this bird, that has been raised by Reed Warblers will soon depart, if it hasn't done so already, for sub-Saharan Africa on a migration that it has never been on before. It knows, somehow that it's a Cuckoo and will go to where the best food and habitat is for Cuckoo's in tropical Africa and then hopefully return in Spring next year in order to start the cycle all over again.
Nature is marvellous, if only we realised it!
Thats a great shot John and yes nature is quite amazing isn't it.
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of nature is far more complex than humans.
Thanks Roy! It never ceases to amaze me!
DeleteJ
Lets hope it makes the double journey successfully; I haven't heard many down at this end of Cambridgeshire this year, none in my home village.
ReplyDeleteCrossed fingers John! I have been fairly lucky and seen and heard a fair few this year.
DeleteJ
Wonderful to see John... I have had lots of warblers up in Cheshire but not even peep from a Cuckoo this year..
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrew! Lots of warblers here too, and a few Cuckoo's, both heard and seen.
DeleteJ
I wonder if the Reed Warbler know it's a Cuckoo? Over hundreds of thousands of years animals develop a collective instinct that governs their behaviour. They could not survive otherwise.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Bazza,
DeleteI have seen footage of a Reed Warbler pair 'quizically' looking at the youngster in its nest, but they still raise it as if it was their own! It has taken thousands of years to accomplish and unfortunately, being changed by man in a matter of years.
J