Changes of Tune

Tradition has it that in June the Cuckoo changes his tune. That happens about as often as it doesn't from my observation. In fact some Cuckoos have non standard calls from their first appearance. The one in the tree was calling cuck-cuck-coo in between standard calls. This may have been down to over-excitement or disappointment. He was in a line of three that went over, the first two disappearing into the woods to make a twosome while he was left behind.

The intensity of the May birdsong has now moderated and the music is more relaxed. The small warblers are still heard but take their place along with the later comers such as Blackcap, now at his florid best; and Chaffinch has become dominant in parts of the woodland.

Cows are pretty tuneless but they've also changed after less than a week. They had been let out onto the moor to cause havoc to the paths and wild vegetation. But now they are back in the sheep enclosure; all but three standing by the fence communing with those inside. Was it those back inside their open prison who had misbehaved or were those outside too difficult to recapture?