Exmoor Wild Watch is monitoring cuckoo sightings and says that good places to hear them on the moor include Croydon Hill, Alcombe Common, Ley Hill and Webber’s Post.
But it is easier to recognise their distinctive call than to spot a cuckoo, which can be mistaken for a sparrow hawk when in flight.
Cuckoos are migratory birds that visit the UK during the breeding season between March and July after spending the winter in South Africa. Survey data suggest that across the UK cuckoo numbers dropped nearly 50 per cent between 1995 and 2012, and they are a species that remain on the ‘red list, meaning they are of conservation concern.
On Exmoor, however, cuckoo populations are thriving. The latest Breeding Bird Survey (2014) highlighted a promising an 82 per cent increase across the national park since the previous survey in 2008.
Ali Hawkins, conservation officer (wildlife) at Exmoor National Park, said: “Exmoor Wild Watch is an opportunity for everyone to join us in finding out more about some of the species that are characteristic of Exmoor.
“This year we would love to hear from anyone who sees any of the following species: cuckoo, dormouse, golden ringed dragonfly, kestrel, Atlantic grey seal, red kite, grey wagtail, red admiral, adder and tree bumblebee.”
To record, sightings go to the Exmoor National Park Authority website and look for ‘Exmoor Wildwatch’. This also offers the chance get involved by joining a Wild Watch training event.
Spotter guides and a family wildlife leaflet can be picked up at National Park Centres at Dulverton, Lynmouth and Dunster, which also stock the Moorland Birds of Exmoor pocket guide featuring a cuckoo on the front cover.