MAGPIES

[Jacksparrow]

And again today, while I was in the garden, my magpie was hiding under the spotted laurel shrub . I didn't even see it but heard the leaves moving, and I thought it might be a cat hiding, but when I looked closer (and I was right next to it) I saw a magpie . I'm convinced now that its a tactic "hide somewhere close and grab the food as soon as she moves away before anyone else can" . Its so bizarre

Along with all of the crow family Magpies are clever birds. They soon get to know a routine and those who are part of that routine. Your assumption may well be correct but as they are one of the largest of our garden visitors they could rock up at any time and bully the others away from the food.

[Butterfly]

The odd maggie saga continues . I looked out the window the other day, and I saw the same magpie sleeping on top of the bird table, in the middle of the day, head tucked under the wing and all

I've been seeing him around and his behaviour is really odd. He is a bit slow in everything, getting to food, eating etc., but he is fine flying. I give my birds food leftovers, and when they see it they rush to inspect it (there has never been something they don't like ) , and he always comes last. And when he takes a piece he always takes it under the bush to eat it, very slowly.
I'm starting to think he is not sick or injured, but just an old guy

[Willpar]

Could well be right.

[Jacksparrow]

I would agree with Butterfly's assessment. It's an old bird making the best of what day's it has left.

[Willpar]

Are you still seeing the magpie, butterfly?

[Butterfly]

Are you still seeing the magpie, butterfly?

Funny you should ask that Willpar, I haven't seen him today, which is unusual because he is usually around even when others go places. Lets see if he turns up tomorrow

[Butterfly]

The old guy turned up for breakfast , and than later picked a sunny spot to lie down and have some rest, alone while all others are on their magpie errands, something he does a lot. I will call him Jude, since I don't know if he is a he or a she , Jude can be either

[Willpar]

Good that it has somewhere to go and have a bite to eat and some rest.

[Butterfly]

I think the old guy has passed away . I haven't seen him for days now, and being slow and weak he used to hang around my garden and always found a nice spot to get some rest, instead going with the rest of the group. He wouldn't just go somewhere else.
I can only hope that my garden gave him some comfort in his last days and he crossed over with a full crop.
RIP Jude , you'll be missed

[Jacksparrow]

I think the old guy has passed away . I haven't seen him for days now, and being slow and weak he used to hang around my garden and always found a nice spot to get some rest, instead going with the rest of the group. He wouldn't just go somewhere else.
I can only hope that my garden gave him some comfort in his last days and he crossed over with a full crop.
RIP Jude , you'll be missed