...and it's only late August. There's perhaps one of the many examples of the effects of Global Warming. This is one of the good reasons to do audio stuff. It's a great distraction. No need to think about the outside world. Just audioland.
I grew up in Emu Plains. There where magpies everywhere from mid Sept to late November. I never got used to them unless I was on by pushbike, helmet on.
I grew up in Emu Plains. There where magpies everywhere from mid Sept to late November. I never got used to them unless I was on by pushbike, helmet on.
Oh yes!
They are pretty bold birds, most of the year that makes them quite likable.
They will follow at your feet as you work in the garden, pick up and eat any grubs that become exposed.
Or wait amiably, as you eat a snack, for tidbits that you drop or throw them, even "call" for more.
But around nest season some become very territorial and defensive, and some think the best defense is a preemptive attack.
Most people don't take it too personally, so there are mixed emotions this time of year.
It's kind of a seasonal ritual, like the first swallow of summer in Britain, but with more blood.
Best wishes
David
Last edited:
We had a couple of generations of Maggies that'd come and hang out at my parents house. They'd get fed often enough that they decided to hang around. It was actually quite lovely until a neighbor with cats moved in.
I don't think I ever got swooped in the backyard, but I certainly remember flying a kite that got the bejeebus beaten out of it by a rather feisty Maggie.
I don't think I ever got swooped in the backyard, but I certainly remember flying a kite that got the bejeebus beaten out of it by a rather feisty Maggie.
aussie aussie aussie!
YouTube
Speaking of birds in general, brushed up against a tree the other night on my regular walk and a massive bat flew off into the distance, could feel the wind being pushed against me as he flew off, wingspan must've been at least 3/4 of a meter. Also saw a huge crow out on the powerlines pestering a smaller bird's nesting area the other day.
For the yanks: we have possums, bats, rats, cats, mice, lice, fleas, bees and trees. Oh and craploads of dogs.
YouTube
Speaking of birds in general, brushed up against a tree the other night on my regular walk and a massive bat flew off into the distance, could feel the wind being pushed against me as he flew off, wingspan must've been at least 3/4 of a meter. Also saw a huge crow out on the powerlines pestering a smaller bird's nesting area the other day.
For the yanks: we have possums, bats, rats, cats, mice, lice, fleas, bees and trees. Oh and craploads of dogs.
Last edited:
The only birds that attack people here in the UK are owls if you climb up to there nests.
The other common bird to attack people are herring gulls when they are nesting on buildings.
Even away from there nests they have been known to swoop down and snatch food from peoples hands. They will not wait for tit bits.
The other common bird to attack people are herring gulls when they are nesting on buildings.
Even away from there nests they have been known to swoop down and snatch food from peoples hands. They will not wait for tit bits.
Attachments
Was on my pushy on 15 August and one maggie got me on the cheek. He/she was the first one that I have seen (or did not see in this case until it was too late) getting territorial this season. The little champion drew blood but I cannot help but admire them the way they go about their business scaring kids, drawing blood and making some people wear the most hilarious headgear to keep them from striking.
Is Aus we have the Magpie that is most of the time a delight to be around and the other quarter of the year keep you laughing.
Another bird, the Plover, is larger than a maggie but nests in grass on the ground and has a rather large defensive perimeter. It has spurs on it wings and can do some real damage when it strikes. But baby plovers are just about the cutest thing on the planet so when hatching is happening and there are loads of cute furry babies running around on the ground it is all worth it.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
Last edited:
One of the video clips in this link even shows one stealing from a shop.
herring gull snatching food - Google Search
herring gull snatching food - Google Search
- Status
- This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.