6 4 
THE CUCKOO’S SECRET 
get a clear view of any visit by the Cuckoo to nest 
9 3 , taking care to avoid placing ourselves where we 
should interfere with the line of flight, no matter 
from which of three possible directions the Cuckoo 
might approach the nest. We settled down at a 
distance of some 150 yards from the nest, having 
at least a view — even if a distant one — of the other 
known available nest — the third of No. 5 pair 
which now also contained four eggs. It was dull 
but warm — Derby Day — and brightened as the 
day wore on. At about 1 p.m. at least three 
Cuckoos were careering about in the centre 
orchard, the male birds calling loudly and often. 
The hours passed on, not altogether without 
interest, for a brood of young Great Tits ( Partis 
major , L.) ventured from their nest in a hole in 
the cherry tree A at the corner of the centre 
orchard ; three or four of the youngsters fluttered 
out and flew on to the common at different points 
whilst their parents were busily engaged flying 
backwards and forwards across the common with 
food. On one of her return visits the parent bird 
showed obvious alarm at the manner in which the 
youngsters were scattering themselves, and collected 
them all together by a call note ; it was interesting 
to watch all the young ones respond to the mother’s 
