Magpies are unofficially my city's 'bird' and they are everywhere. I've seen them participate in some pretty disgusting eating practices, but still love them, and after reading about the superstition once, always say hello when I pass by one while walking my dog. :)
Yes I hadn't quite realised how carnivorous they were up until this week! Are the magpies in Canada the same as the magpies in the UK (pica pica) or different?
I may sound bonkers when I politely address any magpie I see but it could be worse... I had an ancient cousin who used to cross herself furiously when she saw a magpie (and she wasn't even slightly religious!!!). It's all very unfair on what is a beautiful and incredibly intelligent creature - for more information, and a very entertaining read, get hold of 'Corvus' by Esther Woolfson.
My favourite bird
They're definitely magical beasts!
Magpies are unofficially my city's 'bird' and they are everywhere. I've seen them participate in some pretty disgusting eating practices, but still love them, and after reading about the superstition once, always say hello when I pass by one while walking my dog. :)
Yes I hadn't quite realised how carnivorous they were up until this week! Are the magpies in Canada the same as the magpies in the UK (pica pica) or different?
They’re different I think. I just looked it up and we have black-billed magpies, pica hudsonia 😊
I looked it up too - they do look very similar!
I may sound bonkers when I politely address any magpie I see but it could be worse... I had an ancient cousin who used to cross herself furiously when she saw a magpie (and she wasn't even slightly religious!!!). It's all very unfair on what is a beautiful and incredibly intelligent creature - for more information, and a very entertaining read, get hold of 'Corvus' by Esther Woolfson.
I don't think anyone will think you sound bonkers Mum, you're in good company here...
Must get hold of Corvus!