Chambers calls this a very common English rhyme on the cuckoo’s season. In April the bird shows his bill, in May he sings all day, in June he changes his tune, in July he gets ready to fly, and in August go he must. He gives it beside the Worcestershire belief that the cuckoo was never heard before Tenbury fair day.
In April the cuckoo shows his bill
20 April
Lore and belief
In April The cuckoo shows his bill; In May He is singing all day
From Chambers's Book of Days, vol. 1, pp. 529-530. Read the original
Get a copy: Amazon · Bookshop.org · AbeBooks
We may earn a small commission if you buy through these links.
Questions and comments