Cuckoo - A gripping Tale of Murder, Mystery and Deceit at Wicken Fen

Cuckoo - A gripping tale of Springtime murder, mystery and deceit at Wicken Fen will be broadcast on BBC Two on Friday 9 January at 8pm.

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, Cuckoo - a documentary for the BBC series NATURAL WORLD, was filmed at Wicken Fen during the Summers of 2007 and 2008 under the guidance of Professor Nick Davies of Cambridge University, the worlds leading expert on Cuckoos.

Cuckoos are parasitic breeders - laying their eggs in the nests of another species and leaving all the nurturing to the host species. Each cuckoo can dupe only one host species. At Wicken Fen the hosts are Reed Warblers, elsewhere in Britain, Dunnocks, Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails and Robins are the host species.

Nick Davies lifelong passion for Cuckoos was sparked when as a young boy on the Fens he saw a tiny Warbler feeding a large baby Cuckoo. After years of dedicated research at Wicken Fen, Cuckoo will provide a unique in-sight into the secretive world of the Cuckoo providing answers to those frequently asked questions;-

How does the Cuckoo choose a 'victim'? - Why aren't the alien eggs rejected by the host species? - Why do the tricked hosts look after a chick so obviously unlike their own once it is hatched? - Why do the hosts heed the Cuckoo chick's incessant demands for food, a chore that takes as much effort as feeding 10 of their own offspring?

In England and Wales, Cuckoos numbers have declined by about 60% in the last 30 years, but Wicken Fen is still a stronghold with about eight female Cuckoos on the fen with around 10% of Reed Warbler nests parasitised by Cuckoos each Summer.

Nick Davies highlights the challenges of filming Cuckoo:

"Filming a female Cuckoo laying her egg is a challenge for the camera crew; not only do you have to predict the exact Warbler nest she'll choose on a given day, you have to be alert to catch the laying on film because the Cuckoo's visit to the host nest is secretive and lasts just 10 seconds."

Britain's Cuckoo is the European Cuckoo (Cuculus canoris). Adult birds are about the size of a Dove and both sexes have bluey-grey backs and heads, with brownish / white barred chests. They spend most of the year in Africa, coming to Britain to breed in late March or April and leaving around 10 weeks later.

The distinctive call of the Cuckoo is said by many to announce the arrival of Spring. Speaking on the film Sir David Attenborough said:

"We should treasure the brief summer visit of the Cuckoo and listen out for its delightful call. I, for one, hope that it continues to announce Spring for years to come"

The first Cuckoo was heard at Wicken Fen on 18 April this year. The 9 Bird Hides situated around Wicken Fen provide excellent opportunities to view Cuckoos during Spring and early Summer.

Ends

Note to Editors
1. Cuckoo will be broadcast on BBC2 at 8pm on Friday 9 January and repeated on BBC2 at 5pm on Sunday 11 January 2009.

2. Wicken Fen hosts a range of events and activities throughput the year. Popular bird related activities include: Dawn Chorus Walk on Saturday 2 May, Dawn Chorus Boat Ride on Sunday 3 May and Dusk Chorus on Friday 22 May.