Garden Wildlife UK

First of all I’d like to say hello to everyone, I’m a newbie here so I hope I'm posting this question in the right place, I wonder if someone has any ideas as to what may have caused this trouble to a Magpie that is a visitor to my garden most days along with other members of it’s family. I attach some pictures for you to see. There is also another Magpie with a poorly eye but doesn't look nearly as bad as the one in the photo’s. They seem quite happy, feeding flying etc.
loving the forum, many thanks tinkerbella

Welcome to the forum

I've seen a similar thing on a blue tit on my feeders. I suspect it's a mite or worm of some sort.

Hello Kev. Thanks so much for your reply.
Poor thing I suppose there isn't much that can be done.
Another question it may sound silly but I'm concerned, I wear disposable gloves when filling feeders and washing equipment but this sounds scary.
Should I continue, or just drop the food on the floor and run!

Mostly these parasites are not transmittable to humans. I think gloves are fine and a sensible precaution. I do the same with my feeders.

Think you are right Kev. Looks like a mite infestation.

Thanks very much both