I went out to Challacombe Farm on Dartmoor today.  This is usually a good place for several interesting species of birds and insects as well. Today however was relatively quiet but it would have been much better for me  if I had remembered my binoculars. After walking up towards the out buildings and farm my attenton was diverted by the Swallows that were collecting mud for their nests from the edge of the farm pond.  I lingered for far too long trying to get good pictures. This meant that I didn't go on the long walk that I had planned.  However it was at the start of my journey home that I had my best moment of the day. Not far from Challacombe as I drove along the narrow moorland lane, just in front of me and to my left I saw a Cuckoo perched on the dry stone wall.  I just love Cuckoos and for the previous two years I have had great close views of Cuckoos but  It's not that often that you accidentaly get a close encounter like this.  I quickly stopped the car and grabbed the camera but the bird flew up and followed the line of the road to land in a tree next to the road.  I followed it all the way and then stopped the car again, and from the window snapped off just three pictures of the bird now gloriously sat in full view as you can see above. It was a special encounter and really enjoyable.