A Cuckoo calling in a tree on the slopes of the Blorenge
Feeling energised and full of anticipation for the day ahead, after witnessing a glorious sunrise at Pwll Du, I met up with my good friend Paul Joy on the slopes of Blorenge Mountain. We had barely exchanged greetings when, as if on cue, a Cuckoo flew over our heads and settled in a Hawthorn tree on the steep-sided slope above us. It was one of those moments that stops you in your tracks — a perfect, unscripted start to the day. Unable to believe our luck, we quickly parked up and trained our cameras on the bird from the roadside. The Cuckoo was calling persistently from its lofty perch, all the while being harried by a determined Meadow Pipit. It was frustratingly distant, just beyond comfortable photographic range — so we agreed to edge a little closer, taking great care not to disturb it. Easier said than done. Cuckoos are famously sharp-eyed, and any careless movement would have ended the encounter instantly. Fortunately, both Paul and I were dressed in our usual camouflage,...
