Abstract

Cuckoos in Britain are in decline, over half the breeding population has been lost in the last 25 years. This enigmatic bird, harbinger of spring, plays an important role in British culture. Cuckoos are well studied and documented, whilst breeding here in the UK over summer, but little was known about their routes and destinations during our winter months. Scientists from the British Trust for Ornithology have been satellite tagging individual birds revealing that after an epic 5000 mile journey, crossing the Mediterranean and Sahara Desert, the birds winter in a distinct area of West Africa.

The project contributed to a common understanding between ornithological and development researchers about the way people and birds share landscapes. The project was conceived to deliberate help place more focus on African Conservation whilst helping developing further public engagement through the media and exhibitions.