Colin the Cuckoo and Supporting Cast at Thursley Common

 14th April 2021

Spring is here so time for our annual pilgrimage to Thursley Common to see the famous Colin the Cuckoo and enjoy the other wildlife of this beautiful site. It is still showing the signs of the wildfire that swept across the heath last year and let us hope that it won't be too long before it recovers to its former glory.

It was very quiet around The Moat today and it was only when we got on to the sandy trail to Colin's Field that we encountered our first photographic subject, a Willow Warbler singing high in a Silver Birch. Also a Dartford Warbler perched up briefly wondering what was going on before dropping out of sight once more.

At Colin's Field Colin hadn't been seen for an hour so just need to settle down and wait. The whole experience rather reminded me of Disney World in Florida where, while you were waiting for the main event, a team of buskers would keep you entertained. Well ,at Colin's Field they don't have buskers but Wood Larks, which come and strut their stuff just 15 yards in front of you.

And when the Wood Larks had finished their turn, a male Redstart would take over and keep the assembled crowds entertained. I just love the way he made the most of the lichen-covered props that had been provided. What a beautiful bird.

Then after an absence of three hours Colin flew in but first of all perched in a nearby tree to assess the situation.

Then, once he was sure that everything was OK he flew in to his favourite perch and started his 20 minute routine.

After posing on his favourite perch he then flew close and perched on a log in front of the audience.

Then even closer on the ground...................

....................and eventually even closer on a tussock just 4 yards from me!!!

What an amazing bird?

But the bonus today was to see one of the two Little Buntings on Ockley Common. One bird has been present since October 2020 and has now been joined by a second bird so wonder if they are a pair. The male photographed here was certainly singing.

I have loved Thursley Common ever since I used to visit for dragonflies in the late 1990s, and just hope it won't be too long before it fully recovers from the terrible blaze last year.

What a fantastic day!!!!