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I also heard one calling at Zealandia yesterday morning.

I was back in Zealandia for about 6 hours today, and this time did hear full song 3 times, but only picked up a single cuckoo during 5-minute bird counts. That made 2 individuals in a total of forty 5-minute counts over the two days, about half the expected rate for this time of year (according to a paper in the latest issue of Notornis). It is a small sample size, but maybe they are starting to respond to the decline in grey warblers in Zealandia.

Between counts I had another great sighting of an apparently courting cuckoo pair. I was attracted by a full song from a pine just outside the eastern fenceline. One of the birds flew about 40 away to another pine, then a short time later flew back (towards me) with shallow fluttering wing beats (rather like a courting swallow), then hopped around the other bird with head raised, tail cocked, and wing-tips drooped below normal, while giving the downward-slurred note. Unfortunately they then flew into dense vegetation, so my voyeurism was terminated.

Cheers
Colin

I was also in Zealandia for about 8 hours today. Went up and done the kotukutuku track (nothing), but later at the northern end of the Valley View track did hear adults twice, one full song, and couple of one note 'phews'.

Still none heard or seen around Pukerua Bay area - from the comments on this site it would seem numbers are still low everywhere? - or just not being reported compared to other years?

Cheers Jim

Heard and watched a Shining Cuckoo on the Haruru Falls walk (Waitangi Reserve) back on the 14th of October.

Finally heard this morning in Hillsborough cemetery. Usually first heard on or around the 1st September. I have been thinking for the last few weeks that a weather event may have impacted.

Hi all,

I still have not heard a single one in Hawkes Bay, despite being in several places where they normally call.

cheers

I heard my first one calling today by Hamilton airport.

There doesn't seem to be as many around here in Golden Bay as there has been in previous years, I've only heard one early on close to home (Pohara) and have checked a couple of local places where there are usually one or two- nothing so far, the host species (grey warbler) seem to be around in the usual numbers.

At least two of them at Milnthorpe Reserve here in Golden Bay this afternoon 28 Oct, this location is always reliable for them every year (abundant warblers) so good to see some of the cuckoo have made it back.