There’s a magpie on the shore!
Now and then I see these handsome birds strutting around on the yellow sand.
Mostly, though, they’re either perched in trees, spreading their wings in the air, or diligently
Magpie on the Shore
searching the ground. Cadging picnickers for scraps on the promenade beside the tables and chairs seems to be another of their favourite activities.
Sometimes, magpies get bad press. Complaints about swooping are not uncommon, especially in their breeding season.
But as far as I’m concerned, they’ve done me no harm, and I love to hear their beautiful song.
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We have our own magpies here. “Hoppy” who has a gammy leg, has been around our house area for at least 10 years. We don’t know if Hoppy is he or she, though we call her she. She has raised at least one young one each of those years, and we just love the carolling that goes on all around us.
Magpies are intelligent birds that can recognise individual people, and accept those they know as part of their territory, or are antagonistic towards that have shown antagonism towards them.
I love our magpies (you may have guessed) :-).
Most magpies seem to be quite engaging characters. I love their carolling, too! There are about half a dozen regulars in the park that frequent the promenade beside the baths; and occasionally one or two finds their way into our backyard. I think they’re beautiful. 🙂 ‘Hoppy’ sounds as though she’s a real charmer.:)
Talking of bad press, the old song goes One for Sorrow, Two for Joy……….. if we see one on his/her own. to ward off ill luck we have to say “Good Morning Mr.Magpie, I hope your family are well” and then we’ll be OK. It’s funny how long the superstition about Magpies has been around, whether i’s because they’re meat eaters or not I’m not sure but they’re certainly beautiful.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
I have never heard that saying David. Interesting!
It’s new to me, too, Linda! You live and learn…
Thanks for telling me, David. 🙂
xxx Big Hugs xxx