the hoopoe bird

[plippy]

where i was working today the client spotted this bird in her garden this morning, she couldnt get a pic in time as the fella flew off but it has some amazing colours, theres marshes near by and the bird sanctuary so she rang them up and within 30minutes 4 blokes with cameras were knocking on the door and then later in the day some fella with a camcorder.

 

is this breed in decline or summut:confused1:

[Paul Barton]

I have seen lots of those in Africa. As far as I am aware they do not migrate here which is probably why it caused a stir.

[nepia]

They are well known in the south of this country as a rare summer migrant. I guess that if any year suits them coming here it'll be this one. Would be great to see one wild here.

[john dawson]

is it a bit like the OOOh-AAAh bird? so called cus it lays square eggs?

[plippy]

square eggs?

[Tommy_B]

Think about it mate....

[Saw-sick Steve]

Every spring a few overshoot their breeding areas during migration and end up in the UK - April is the usual month, my sister had one in her garden a couple of years back.

Common in much of Asia, Africa and Europe, they have bred here in small no.s, but are still unusual enough to cause a bit of a stir. I would imagine this must be a juvenile bird that's headed north for a look-see, before eventually turning south to winter in Africa.

[Saw-sick Steve]

Think about it mate....

No, don't. Honestly, the ''joke''s not worth it...

[Nick Waring]

i saw one once, whilst i was in france. Unfortunatly it was stuck on the front of a car.

 

link here http://a.imageshack.us/img225/151/18062009727.jpg

 

On a serious note, they are lovely looking birds.