Ponden Cuckoos

A planned run out to Oxenhope encountered lots of traffic today.

I forgot it was a Saturday (actually I've very little idea what day it is since lockdown!).

I aborted my Oxenhope visit in favour of a visit to Ponden Reservoir, where things were much quieter.

A few hours saunter around the reservoir in the sunshine was very pleasant indeed.

There was a family with some very young children on the reservoir in a dinghy.

They all looked to have the right gear, and were using the right sea faring language.

I heard one man say "Weigh Anchor" to his young lad, so they were obviously members of the boating club here. 

They did however disrupt my Common Sandpiper expectations a bit.

One Common Sandpiper was on the shoreline, however, but it moved to a field wall when the dingy appeared.

Also hereabouts:-

Curlew, Lapwing, Greylag Goose - with young.

Partial domesticated - Muscovy Duck - one light coloured bird with young.

Mallard, Moorhen - with young.

Willow Warbler, Pheasant, Jackdaw, Pied Wagtail.

House Martin and Sand Martin inspecting  the drain holes in the reservoir side.

(does not bode well when this weather breaks).

Swallow, Swift, 2 Oystercatcher... and a few other sp.

Cuckoos.

A Cuckoo called from way over on the north hillside area.

I set off towards the call and after going up a field located the bird on a telephone wire.

The bird, however, was still mega distant.

A tad later a second bird called from the south side of the reservoir - where I'd just come from.

The Cuckoo was 'hovering' and landing in the field before returning to it's perch.

A second bird appeared alongside the first Cuckoo. I am unsure of what this is.

Possibly another Cuckoo?? 

Looks very much like a Mistle Thrush but it came and went a few times.

Cuckoo Photos:

A second bird (right) is confusing me

A few pics of second bird cropped from photos: