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25/04/2008, 8:02 Jonzjob Joined on 23/08/2004 Nr Carcassonne, 11 Posts 2,525 Re: The first cuckoo? The swallows have been here a week now, but I heard a welcome sound, looked up and there were 3 bee eaters just overhead. First ones this year. I think that they must be about the prettiest European bird (sits back in anticipation??) John. The only difference between the men & the boys is the size & the shape & the price of their toys!!    Report

25/04/2008, 9:55 sweet 17 Joined on 05/08/2006 charente maritime Posts 2,045 Re: The first cuckoo? Jonzjob, do bee eaters have a song and, if so, what is it like?  Also, what size birds are they?  You could tell I know a lot about birds, can't you?    Report

25/04/2008, 13:25 Jonzjob Joined on 23/08/2004 Nr Carcassonne, 11 Posts 2,525 Re: The first cuckoo? They lool a bit like  http://images.google.com/images?q=bee+eater&rls=com.microsoft:en-GB:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLR&um=1 .Very colourful and very goog at catching bees. Bee keepers here don't like them, I wonder why?? Some fantastic photos here too http://www.jerome-guillaumot.com/gallery/2172707 . For the sound http://www.soortenbank.nl/BIS/qtmovie.php?pagetitle=Merops%20apiaster%20zang/roep&thisurl=vogels/pictures/MEROPS_APIASTER_SONG.MOV&width=400&height=200 . A raelly lovely sight, as long as you don't keep bees I suppose?? John. The only difference between the men & the boys is the size & the shape & the price of their toys!!    Report

25/04/2008, 17:13 chris pp Joined on 30/08/2005 Vienne '86' Posts 1,679 Re: The first cuckoo? but I heard a welcome sound, looked up and there were 3 bee eaters just overhead. First ones this year. Thanks for that John, that's the sort of information that I need. They arrive here in Vienne in  May. Chris http://www.planetepassion.com Association Planete Passion - French Wildlife in the English Language    Report

25/04/2008, 18:15 Framboise Joined on 29/11/2006 At home in the Orne Posts 475 Re: The first cuckoo? I saw the first bedraggled little swallow here in the Orne on 1st April, then two days ago we heard the cuckoo calling for the first time this year.     The swallows are busily collecting copious  amounts of lovely mud for thier little nests in our barn - spring hath sprung!!    Report

25/04/2008, 19:31 chris pp Joined on 30/08/2005 Vienne '86' Posts 1,679 Re: The first cuckoo? Four turtle doves today feeding in a field, first ones I've seen this year. Nothing to do with cuckoos though. Chris http://www.planetepassion.com Association Planete Passion - French Wildlife in the English Language    Report

26/04/2008, 10:27 Jonzjob Joined on 23/08/2004 Nr Carcassonne, 11 Posts 2,525 Re: The first cuckoo? You can have some of our ring neck doves if you want Chris? We got dozens! They must be the second most boring sounding bord in place! Second only to the spectacular looking hoophoe!! That really is a pre-historic looking machine, but what an eye catcher! The ring necks also have the ability to produce the same size pooo as a goose, all over the place ... John. The only difference between the men & the boys is the size & the shape & the price of their toys!!    Report

26/04/2008, 12:00 sweet 17 Joined on 05/08/2006 charente maritime Posts 2,045 Re: The first cuckoo? Jonz, thanks for the wonderful pics of bee eaters.  Don't know if we have any but the binocs are at the ready!    Report

26/04/2008, 12:09 Jonzjob Joined on 23/08/2004 Nr Carcassonne, 11 Posts 2,525 Re: The first cuckoo? You will know if they are about, because they make that funny 'churling' song almost all the time they are flying. Just look up. Good luck with the bins 'cause they don't arf get a move on. If you can find one of their feeding perches then you will have a wonderful sight of them. I haven't found one yet . John. The only difference between the men & the boys is the size & the shape & the price of their toys!!    Report

26/04/2008, 14:20 Framboise Joined on 29/11/2006 At home in the Orne Posts 475 Re: The first cuckoo? I like the little turtle doves too.  We have a pair nesting in the field but they sit in the tree by the goose run waiting for the seed leftovers, making this funny little electronic pigeon noise.    Report

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France Forum » French Culture » Wildlife/Nature... » The first cuckoo?

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