Magpies Take Over the Garden

Magpie

So the magpies have been well fed over Christmas. This is not surprising they have claimed the garden as their territory and attempt to fight all trespassers.

What is a surprise is how much they can collect in their beak at one sitting. Its huge!  Three big lumps of bread went in less than a second and they chip away at vegetable rind or anything slightly tough until it weakens!

They are beautiful birds and relentless in their pursuit of food which is understandable its about survival. I try to make sure the cats are in when the birds are about. I don't want anything unpleasant to happen nor am I entirely sure that my two lazy cats would come off well in a fight and herself, always far more energetic, her very name is a result of chasing off a magpie, is now too old for such frolicking

And the magpies are beautiful to watch in flight or on the ground, fast, eager and practical.