n8 THE CUCKOO’S SECRET 
pear tree in the east orchard, and during this time I 
moved up another hide within about fifty yards of 
the nest so that I could get a better view. Twice 
the Pipits came and perched on the hide, from 
within which I could plainly hear the patter of their 
feet on the heather covering, and the flutter of 
their coming and going. 
When any one passed near the east orchard the 
Cuckoo would withdraw completely from view 
under the leaves of her perch, so much so that I 
detected a passer-by through first noticing the 
Cuckoo withdraw herself. At 3.45 she shattered 
our hopes by flying off southwards, chuckling. 
Five minutes later we emerged from our hides. 
Suddenly at 4.25 I saw the Cuckoo floating 
across “ wah-wahing,” followed by Pipits, and 
returning to the pear tree in the east orchard. 
Then we knew that she meant business, and so 
re-entered our hides without delay. Accompanied 
by Pipits she floated from her perch at 5.5, but 
passed the site of the nest and circled through the 
centre orchard, where she rested for a minute. 
Then she repeated the performance but this time 
settled at the nest, and in less than thirty seconds 
laid her first egg of the season, exchanging it as 
usual for one of the eggs of the fosterers. Then 
