Read the latest updates from our Cuckoos on their epic migration between the UK and tropical Africa, or track their movements in real-time on our Cuckoo migration map. If you enjoy these updates, please consider sponsoring a Cuckoo. Sponsors receive special updates about their chosen Cuckoo in the Cuckoo e-newsletter.
Cleeve closes in on Joe
Cleeve has made his way from Republic of the Congo, across the Gulf of Guinea, covering 2,200 km (1,367 miles).
He is now in eastern Côte d'Ivoire, hot on the heels of Cuckoo Joe!
Joe’s on the go
Since we last checked in on his movements, Joe has moved west from Ghana and is now in eastern Côte d'Ivoire, approximately 154 km (95 miles) north-east of the capital Yamoussoukro.
Remarkably, he is currently less than 30 km (18 miles) from his cohort companion Cuckoo Cleeve!
Hafren heads west
In the last couple of weeks since arriving in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Hafren has moved slowly north up the Sassandra River, and is now close to Mont Sângbé National Park, a designated area which is home to a range of wildlife including Western Chimpanzee, African Bush Elephant, Royal Antelope, and birds such as Baumann's Olive Greenbul and Emerald Starling.
Joe jogs on
In recent days Joe has made remarkable progress, covering some 2,500 km (1,500 miles) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo through to Ghana, passing through five African countries en route.
Presently just about bang in the centre of Ghana, he is in the tropical savannah region, close to a large tributary of the Black Volta river.
Cleeve creeps north
Since our last update in mid February, Cleeve has moved slowly northwards. Still in the Republic of the Congo, he is now in the north-west of the country, around 530 km (330 miles) north from his main wintering area.
Close to the northern border of Gabon, he is currently just west of Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of Africa’s oldest national parks and home to Forest Elephant and Western Lowland Gorilla.
Wilfrid’s Way Out West
Having spent the last few months deep in the forests of north-west Angola (furthest south of all our tagged Cuckoos), Wilfrid is now clearly feeling the urge to head back north.
He has made a massive leap, covering multiple African countries, passing through Gabon and western Cameroon before arriving in Nigeria a few days ago.
From here, he has continued his journey, sweeping past a further four countries until arriving at his current location in south-eastern Guinea. He has already covered approximately 3,700 km (2,300 miles) since leaving his wintering quarters in Angola.
Time's up for Nick 2
Having made slow progress initially last autumn, Nick 2 eventually powered on and swiftly crossed the Sahara. By late July he had made up for lost time and already reached the southern Mauritania and Senegal border.
He lingered in this area for some time, but unfortunately, this appears to be as far as he got. His tag has continued to transmit from the same area, suggesting that he died here.
Sayaan's significant shift
After several weeks deep in the swampy forests near the Maringa River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sayaan appears to have become a little restless.
In the last month, he has covered some distance, first flying 420 km (260 miles) north-west to the border of the Republic of the Congo, before heading a further 230 km (143 miles) south-west to the expansive Likouala Aux Herbes River.
Is he gearing up for a rapid move north?
Hafren makes a move
Hafren has made a significant move in recent days. Having spent much of his winter in eastern Gabon, he has now flown some 160 km (100 miles) north-east into the Republic of the Congo. Is this the start of his northbound spring migration?
Joe still in the Congo
At this present time, old-timer Joe remains in his wintering grounds in the dense rainforests on the northern edge of the vast Busira River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
He was in the same region at this time last year, but had started to move north by the end of the month – will he repeat this move? Tagged in Norfolk in summer 2022, this will be the third spring that we may track his movements north!