Cuckoos in Kent right now?

[Neil Rigby]

Sounds a bit odd I know but is it impossible that a Cuckoo could be heard in Kent at this time of year?

I only ask as my son said he heard one a few days ago, I replied "Of course it's not, Cuckoos will be in Africa now!"

End of story till...

My wife said she heard one a couple of days ago!!!

We discussed this today with another birding friend who said he thought not impossible one could be about, but he didn't think it would call if it were.

Obviously all knowledge comes from experience, so what does everyone think?

[Winterkoning]

Originally Posted by Neil Rigby

Sounds a bit odd I know but is it impossible that a Cuckoo could be heard in Kent at this time of year?

I only ask as my son said he heard one a few days ago, I replied "Of course it's not, Cuckoos will be in Africa now!"

End of story till...

My wife said she heard one a couple of days ago!!!

We discussed this today with another birding friend who said he thought not impossible one could be about, but he didn't think it would call if it were.

Obviously all knowledge comes from experience, so what does everyone think?

I think Nature is a Law unto itself Neil.....always expect the unexpected!!

[Callander1]

I would also have thought it highly unlikely. But, then again. Who can tell? What with all the strange appearences of the last few years.
Thing is. If it is actually a Cuckoo. Is it a 'last season stayer' or an extremely early arrival?

[Little Sparrow]

It does seem rather early to hear a Cuckoo! Then again who knows when or what will turn up these days!

[Dennis]

I'm trying to guess why one would still be in the country, although not impossible but the calling is what has thrown me.

It may be a juvenile bird from this year that was either too ill or injured to make the trip south and has since made a recovery. As for the calling, well it may not know any better if it were a juvenile.

I'm just guessing here and this is only a suggestion but i'd love to hear any other opinions.

Dennis