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One Flew into the Cuckoo's Egg: My Autobiography
Comedian, birdwatcher, writer, environmental campaigner. Who is the real Bill Oddie? Best known for the wacky humor of the Goodies, and the irrepressible enthusiasm of his nature programs, off screen there has been a darker side. Bill has suffered from bouts of depression which have more than once taken him to the brink. Now he is back in control and wiser about the causes and the cure. Here he describes the childhood blighted by the absence of his mother who had been committed to a mental asylum when he was small. It was a lonely and difficult start to life, but there were to be happier times. Touring with the Cambridge Footlights in the 1960s saw him alongside the greatest comic talents of his generation—John Cleese and of course fellow Goodies Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. Soon the Goodies were to become one of the biggest comedy hits of the 1970s—bringing a new brand of surreal humor to our screens. Now as Britain's favorite birdwatcher Bill has turned his private passion into his most public role and hosted more than 20 nature programs for the BBC. He has also become a fervent and outspoken campaigner for the environment. It has been an extraordinary and far from straightforward journey. Bill Oddie takes us along with him in a memoir which is as witty, candid, curious, and as unconventional as the man himself.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Bill Oddie
72 books15 followersWilliam "Bill" Edgar Oddie OBE is an English author, actor, comedian, artist, naturalist and musician, who became famous as one of The Goodies. A birdwatcher since childhood, Oddie has now established a reputation for himself as an ornithologist, conservationist and television presenter on wildlife issues. Some of his books are illustrated with his own paintings and drawings.
Oddie studied English Literature at Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge, where he appeared in several Cambridge University Footlights Club productions. One of these, a revue called A Clump of Plinths, was so successful at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe that it was renamed Cambridge Circus and transferred to the West End in London, then New Zealand and Broadway in September 1964. Meanwhile, still at Cambridge, Oddie wrote scripts for TV's That Was The Week That Was.
His first television appearance was in Bernard Braden's On The Braden Beat in 1964. Subsequently, he was a key member of the performers in the BBC radio series I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (ISIRTA; 1965), where many of his musical compositions were featured. Some were released on the album Distinctly Oddie (Polydor, 1967). He was possibly one of the first performers to parody a rock song, arranging the traditional Yorkshire folk song "On Ilkla Moor Baht'at" in the style of Joe Cocker's hit rendition of the Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" (released on John Peel's Dandelion Records in 1970 and featured in Peel's special box of most-treasured singles).
On television Oddie was co-writer and performer in the comedy series Twice a Fortnight with Graeme Garden, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Jonathan Lynn. Later, he was co-writer and performer in the comedy series Broaden Your Mind with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, for which Oddie became a cast member for the second series. Oddie, Brooke-Taylor and Garden then co-wrote and appeared in their television comedy series The Goodies. The Goodies also released records, including "Father Christmas Do Not Touch Me"/"The In-Betweenies", "Funky Gibbon", and "Black Pudding Bertha", which were hit singles in 1974-75. They reformed, briefly, in 2005, for a successful 13-date tour of Australia. Oddie, Brooke-Taylor and Garden voiced characters on the 1983 animated children's programme Bananaman. He has occasionally appeared on the BBC Radio 4 panel game I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, on which Garden and Brooke-Taylor are regular panellists.
Oddie studied English Literature at Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge, where he appeared in several Cambridge University Footlights Club productions. One of these, a revue called A Clump of Plinths, was so successful at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe that it was renamed Cambridge Circus and transferred to the West End in London, then New Zealand and Broadway in September 1964. Meanwhile, still at Cambridge, Oddie wrote scripts for TV's That Was The Week That Was.
His first television appearance was in Bernard Braden's On The Braden Beat in 1964. Subsequently, he was a key member of the performers in the BBC radio series I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again (ISIRTA; 1965), where many of his musical compositions were featured. Some were released on the album Distinctly Oddie (Polydor, 1967). He was possibly one of the first performers to parody a rock song, arranging the traditional Yorkshire folk song "On Ilkla Moor Baht'at" in the style of Joe Cocker's hit rendition of the Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" (released on John Peel's Dandelion Records in 1970 and featured in Peel's special box of most-treasured singles).
On television Oddie was co-writer and performer in the comedy series Twice a Fortnight with Graeme Garden, Terry Jones, Michael Palin and Jonathan Lynn. Later, he was co-writer and performer in the comedy series Broaden Your Mind with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, for which Oddie became a cast member for the second series. Oddie, Brooke-Taylor and Garden then co-wrote and appeared in their television comedy series The Goodies. The Goodies also released records, including "Father Christmas Do Not Touch Me"/"The In-Betweenies", "Funky Gibbon", and "Black Pudding Bertha", which were hit singles in 1974-75. They reformed, briefly, in 2005, for a successful 13-date tour of Australia. Oddie, Brooke-Taylor and Garden voiced characters on the 1983 animated children's programme Bananaman. He has occasionally appeared on the BBC Radio 4 panel game I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, on which Garden and Brooke-Taylor are regular panellists.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 8, 2018
The autobiography of one of the Goodies, and birdwatcher extraordinaire.
A warm, quirky, thought provoking read.
Bill Oddie is an incredibly interesting human being.
A warm, quirky, thought provoking read.
Bill Oddie is an incredibly interesting human being.
August 23, 2012
The man is one of the most versatile and talented people around, But this book reveals the dark times in his life due to his bipolar condition, his mentally unstable mother, the secrets he uncovered as he grew up and how it still affects him even now, there are also some genuinely laugh out loud moments and loads of his distinctive wit with plenty of interesting stories and gossip about famous people, a really great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, Bill Oddie is a true legend.
March 22, 2013
Bill Oddie is well known on British TV for comedy and for presenting wildlife programmes. He has never hidden the fact that he also suffers from depression. This book is a very honest account. From a childhood overshadowed by seeing his mother violent and taken to a mental hospital, to being taken to see her at age 15 and not knowing her. Later he does the TV programme "Who Do You Think You Are" and finds out what happened to his mother to make her act like this.
Unfortunately he inherits depression too and is hospitalised a number of times. Luckily he has a wonderful loving family who support him.
Parts of the book are in a different type face which I found difficult to read.
A very honest book which is written with humour and also with sadness.
Unfortunately he inherits depression too and is hospitalised a number of times. Luckily he has a wonderful loving family who support him.
Parts of the book are in a different type face which I found difficult to read.
A very honest book which is written with humour and also with sadness.
August 25, 2019
Poignant, moving, spiky .
March 13, 2014
As someone who has loved Bill Oddie for as long as I can remember (Yep, grew up with the Goodies), this book was irresistible.
If you're a fan of Bill's Bird Books you may find this one disappointing as it doesn't deal much with his birding (try "Follow That Bird" instead - golden).
If you're reading this for Goodies Gossip - don't bother, there isn't much in the way of Goodies news or information.
However, the story of Bill's early years, and the struggles with his mother's mental illness is vividly recalled and delicately written. There's also a raw honesty which is often missing from celebrity autobiographies.
The second half of the book is written in a Q&A style which does get tired, but I suppose was a good technique to cover a lot of different topics without having to keep it all in some kind of order.
It's a good read, it feels honest and it's written beautifully. Worth a second read, to be honest.
If you're a fan of Bill's Bird Books you may find this one disappointing as it doesn't deal much with his birding (try "Follow That Bird" instead - golden).
If you're reading this for Goodies Gossip - don't bother, there isn't much in the way of Goodies news or information.
However, the story of Bill's early years, and the struggles with his mother's mental illness is vividly recalled and delicately written. There's also a raw honesty which is often missing from celebrity autobiographies.
The second half of the book is written in a Q&A style which does get tired, but I suppose was a good technique to cover a lot of different topics without having to keep it all in some kind of order.
It's a good read, it feels honest and it's written beautifully. Worth a second read, to be honest.
August 21, 2012
A book purchased for 50p from a car boot sale on my behalf. Although I have some ornithological interest and own a copy of Bill Oddie's Birding Map of Britain and Ireland, I much prefer my natural history tv presenters in the shape of Michaela Strachan or Ellie Harrison. B.O.'s previous incarnation as a funny man in 'The Goodies' was never my cup of tea.
'One Flew into the Cuckoo's Egg' perhaps should have been titled 'One Blew into the Cuckoo's Egg', but I'm sure Mr Oddie would wish to forget his egg stealing days. However, this autobiography was very engaging, with his family history investigations quite endearing. All his past sins of goodie, goodie, yum yum were instantly forgiven as he recounted his struggles with breakdowns and depression. Written in a unique style and as it says on the front sleeve, this is not a bird book!
'One Flew into the Cuckoo's Egg' perhaps should have been titled 'One Blew into the Cuckoo's Egg', but I'm sure Mr Oddie would wish to forget his egg stealing days. However, this autobiography was very engaging, with his family history investigations quite endearing. All his past sins of goodie, goodie, yum yum were instantly forgiven as he recounted his struggles with breakdowns and depression. Written in a unique style and as it says on the front sleeve, this is not a bird book!
February 29, 2016
Still reading this but its slow going. Its not that it is not an interesting book, but I think my reading mood is for a meaty story so this probably wasn't the best choice for next book ... am going to give it a red hot go over next few days and hopefully get into it! Sorry Bill.
I have finished!! This is really a good book. A great read and not at all like other autobiographies I have read. He is an interesting person who has a novel way of telling his story - but then I have loved a lot of his prior writing (ie The Goodies). I would recommend this to anyone who loves Bill Oddie and/or biographies!
I have finished!! This is really a good book. A great read and not at all like other autobiographies I have read. He is an interesting person who has a novel way of telling his story - but then I have loved a lot of his prior writing (ie The Goodies). I would recommend this to anyone who loves Bill Oddie and/or biographies!
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August 6, 2011This is a very interesting book, and one I enjoyed very much. Interesting format, with Bill interviewing himself (although reading it I felt it was Graeme Garden asking the questions). I have never read anything about dpression before, I found that aspect of the book very interesting. Thanks Bill for being so open. And, as a bonus, I've never read a book with so many !!!!!! in it. 19.2.10
April 4, 2012
A very funny autobiography with some very sad parts too.
August 24, 2025
I'm sorry to say that this was a bit of a letdown. I am a huge Bill Oddie fan, mainly for his wildlife presenting and his part in ISIRTA.
I suppose it has become completely passe to have a biography that starts at the beginning or just before and the winds its way to the present day or whenever it was written. Instead there have to be gimmicks of various kinds that makes it more difficult for the reader to follow the narrative. This is one of those.
The book is split into two.
The first section is in a number of narratives that skip around in terms of their dates. Fortunately these narratives are sufficiently long in length for a decent story to be told and slowly Bill's early life comes to be told.
But then Bill has a mental health episode and the second part of the book starts. Now I too have mental health issues so I fully understand, but did the pressure lead to the structure of the second part?
This is in the form of an interview with Bill interviewing himself. At times this can be funny, incisive and informative. But for a lot of it it is just plain annoying. There are so many deviations and cul-de-sacs that are explored but in a very cursory manner.
And then, as far as I am concerned, there is the biggest drawback. If a publisher offers you the opportunity to write a biography you need to go for it 100%. Its unlikely you'll get another chance! Instead we are constantly being reminded that parts of Bill's life have been covered in other books and we should read those to find out more. Frustrating.
So there are big gaps in here and you'll have to read at least 6 or 7 other books to get the full picture.
If the audiobook is as messy as the written book then both will be off to the charity shop. I'll content myself with laughing out loud at Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book.
Such a disappointment.
I suppose it has become completely passe to have a biography that starts at the beginning or just before and the winds its way to the present day or whenever it was written. Instead there have to be gimmicks of various kinds that makes it more difficult for the reader to follow the narrative. This is one of those.
The book is split into two.
The first section is in a number of narratives that skip around in terms of their dates. Fortunately these narratives are sufficiently long in length for a decent story to be told and slowly Bill's early life comes to be told.
But then Bill has a mental health episode and the second part of the book starts. Now I too have mental health issues so I fully understand, but did the pressure lead to the structure of the second part?
This is in the form of an interview with Bill interviewing himself. At times this can be funny, incisive and informative. But for a lot of it it is just plain annoying. There are so many deviations and cul-de-sacs that are explored but in a very cursory manner.
And then, as far as I am concerned, there is the biggest drawback. If a publisher offers you the opportunity to write a biography you need to go for it 100%. Its unlikely you'll get another chance! Instead we are constantly being reminded that parts of Bill's life have been covered in other books and we should read those to find out more. Frustrating.
So there are big gaps in here and you'll have to read at least 6 or 7 other books to get the full picture.
If the audiobook is as messy as the written book then both will be off to the charity shop. I'll content myself with laughing out loud at Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book.
Such a disappointment.
November 25, 2025
One Flew Over into the Cuckoo’s Nest is the autobiography of Bill Oddie, previously one of the ‘Goodies ‘and at the time of writing the host of Springwatch (he left a year after this book was written). However, it is not a full autobiography as he makes several references to previous books where he has described parts of his life so this is more of a filling in the blank spaces. He talks about his childhood growing up with just his father after his mother was institutionalised and about trying to get an answer to the question of what she suffered with, especially after he began to suffer with depression. He briefly mentions his time as a Goodie and how he transitioned from that to wildlife presenter.
The book is a little rambling jumping around between time frames and subjects but this fits in with his persona so actually adds to the writing.
This is really a book for people who know who Bill Oddie is, I grew up watching the Goodies and still watch Springwatch and have done since he started it.
The book is a little rambling jumping around between time frames and subjects but this fits in with his persona so actually adds to the writing.
This is really a book for people who know who Bill Oddie is, I grew up watching the Goodies and still watch Springwatch and have done since he started it.
September 1, 2021
A book of two halves; i really liked the first half (Bill's actual autobiography). Learned lots of things that i never knew about him. It was very brave of him to open up about the sad/painful moments of the past and also his struggles with depression. However, he seemed to struggle recalling many moments accurately (he admits to memory problems) which is fair enough, but the amount of times he has to repeat it and obviously struggles... makes me wonder why he thought to write an autobiography in the first place?
The second half he's essentially interviewing himself - asking and answering various aspects of his life. This... i really did not like and it went on for ages.
The second half he's essentially interviewing himself - asking and answering various aspects of his life. This... i really did not like and it went on for ages.
November 21, 2025
Not quite a full on autobiography although it treats the reader to a whistle stop tour of his life and then a unique take by interviewing himself in part two. If you're looking for detail around the comedy and his music like I was you'll be disappointed but it does give you a window into his life. Both the successes and struggles. Comes across as intelligent, gruff but also someone who deeply cares about his true love of nature.
July 21, 2020
I don't think Bill enjoyed writing this autobiography and I didn't get any joy in reading it. He obviously couldn't dodge his episodes of depression but it casts a very dark shadow over most of his life and the book become gloomy in itself. I loved his nature documentaries but I didn't enjoy this.
April 8, 2023
An interesting and quite frank book. We have all seen Bill Oddie on TV, but few know of his traumatic childhood and the foundation stones that made him the man he is today. He is far from just a comedian, or just a bird watcher.
June 14, 2023
Definitely not an "as told to autobiography".
I enjoyed it and I think I am the better for having read it.
I enjoyed it and I think I am the better for having read it.
July 18, 2023
What I learned? If your mom spends all your young life in an institution, don't think THAT'S NORMAL and go get your head examined.
A re-read. I've read two other celebrity memoirs lately (Mark Steel and Fern Brady) and what comes across is the trouble that comes from not talking about important stuff. Mark Steel's mother's family didn't talk about her pregnancy, Fern didn't open up about not understanding what was going on in her family, at uni, etc., and Bill's family just didn't talk about his mom. He didn't know she'd lost two children before him, which would have weighed heavily on her and contributed to her mental state. She was just a stranger to him and a series of unpleasant memories.
Bill's autobiography might only be of interest to his fans - and anyone interested in depression, as he has a total breakdown in the middle of writing it. As clever and cuddly as he might seem, he is at heart a roiling pot of sarcasm who often errs in his choice of humor. This is something I can identify with. I'm often struggling to not go for the "jokular."
A re-read. I've read two other celebrity memoirs lately (Mark Steel and Fern Brady) and what comes across is the trouble that comes from not talking about important stuff. Mark Steel's mother's family didn't talk about her pregnancy, Fern didn't open up about not understanding what was going on in her family, at uni, etc., and Bill's family just didn't talk about his mom. He didn't know she'd lost two children before him, which would have weighed heavily on her and contributed to her mental state. She was just a stranger to him and a series of unpleasant memories.
Bill's autobiography might only be of interest to his fans - and anyone interested in depression, as he has a total breakdown in the middle of writing it. As clever and cuddly as he might seem, he is at heart a roiling pot of sarcasm who often errs in his choice of humor. This is something I can identify with. I'm often struggling to not go for the "jokular."
July 3, 2013
I found this to be a book of two halves. I was really taken by the honest accounts of his childhood, his mother’s and his own problems with mental disorders, and how he got into the birding side of things. The question and answer style of the second half was a little strange and the goodies part just didn’t appeal but I can’t knock it for that as it was just personal preference as I didn’t follow him in those days. Altogether a really interesting account of a talented and multi-faceted individual.
June 14, 2010
Well it was just Bill Oddie's autobiography. He takes the novel approach of interviewing himself and refusing to answer lots of his own questions because he's already written about that stuff in other books. It was interesting but unsurprising. He is certainly a very talented individual. If you're a fan then read it.
July 29, 2011
Diffrent to what I thought it would be about. 1st half is great, dealing with his early years, 2nd half not so great, with the interview style being off putting at times.
If you are looking for anything on the goodies, don't bother as that period is pretty much glossed over.
Was intregued by the remark about Steve Irwin though, wonder what he meant by it?
If you are looking for anything on the goodies, don't bother as that period is pretty much glossed over.
Was intregued by the remark about Steve Irwin though, wonder what he meant by it?
June 24, 2016
42 WORD REVIEW:
Bill Oddie’s autobiography largely omits both birdwatching and The Goodies, preferring instead Oddie’s rather bleak childhood and pre-celebrity years (an engaging reminiscence by someone who’s come to terms with his demons), then his post-celebrity battles with depression (detailed honestly and without self-pity).
Bill Oddie’s autobiography largely omits both birdwatching and The Goodies, preferring instead Oddie’s rather bleak childhood and pre-celebrity years (an engaging reminiscence by someone who’s come to terms with his demons), then his post-celebrity battles with depression (detailed honestly and without self-pity).
February 27, 2013
An enjoyable read, I wasn't too keen on the interview-style writing in the second half of the book though.
March 28, 2014
A variation on an autobiography!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews