THERE have been few reports of Cuckoos in the Island this Spring.

And conservation charity Manx Birdlife is urging anyone who has seen or heard the birds to get in touch.

The well known call of the Cuckoo is only made by the males and it ceases once they have found a mate.

However Manx Birdlife believes it is a bit early for this to be the reason for the silence.

Director Chris Sharpe said: "The call of Cuckoos is part of our feeling that Spring is here so perhaps people don't think there's any merit in recording something that everyone expects to be here.

"However the current silence might just indicate that Cuckoos are declining.

"Please help us to contribute data on calls and sightings as this will help build up a picture of what is happening to this iconic bird."

Cuckoos are Jackdaw sized birds and have grey barred plumage on their bellies and tails.

Males choose fences, trees and other structures as calling perches and may be easiest to find at Ballaugh and Greeba Curraghs, The Ayres and brooghs around the coast, farmland, uplands and moorlands.

Anyone who has heard Cuckoos or seen them this spring is asked to visit manxbirdlife.im and supply details.