The sounds of the Cuckoos call are now in the New Forest. Cuckoos have started to arrive from Africa. They are summer visitors and are known for being brood parasites. They do not build their own nest, the females lay their eggs in other birds’ nests, especially Meadow Pipits, Dunnocks and Warblers. When a female Cuckoo finds a suitable nest, and the host bird is away she removes one of their eggs and lays her own egg in its place. Cuckoo young hatch after just 12 days, and push the hosts’ eggs or babies out of the nest, allowing it to eat all food brought by the host bird. When the young Cuckoo leaves the nest, it is far bigger than the host bird. I only saw one today but at least 3 were calling.

Female Stonechat Stoney Cross New Forest.