5 MARCH 1927, Page 13

PREMATURE CUCKOOS.

It was firmly believed in Dorsetshire last week, on the authority of very confident reports, that the cuckoo had been heard several times near Poole. It is just a question whether any cuckoo has been heard in England. even in March. Scores of investigated reports have failed to corroborate the rumour. To claim a February cuckoo is straining our credulity indeed ! Yet the past few months have brought more surprises for bird observers in England than any period in remembrance. A dozen rare birds have appeared in unexpected places ; and now the moment of the first migrants is here, it may be worth while looking for exceptionally early arrivals, especially on the south-west coast.

W. REACH THOMAS.