NATURE’S DECEPTORS

The story of the famous nest trespasser.

The Cuckoo: The Uninvited Guest Oldrich Mikulica et al Wild Nature Press £24.99

IIt isn’t often, even in these days of iincreasingly breathtaking photography, tthat a bird book comes along and lleaves you speechless with admiration. FFor its outstanding images, text and ooverall design, this ‘uninvited guest’ is morem than welcome. The photos, all taken by Oldrich MikMikulica over several years, are of superb artistry and quality, and provide us with an intimate series of glimpses into the endlessly fascinating world of the common cuckoo. Researchers have discovered a great deal about the species’ biology, but photographers, thanks to their unrivalled patience, often see and capture things overlooked or rarely seen by others. The images here – of the birds themselves, and their eggs, chicks and food – are presented in a wonderfully effective and comprehensive way. This isn’t simply a picture book, however – the text has an accessible, engaging style, and is up to date, scholarly and eminently readable. My bird book of the year. Tim Birkhead Ornithologist