Our resident Australian Magpies (also known as the Black-backed Magpie) love to sit atop the power poles and sing together to welcome the new day.
I was busy loading cattle for sale and didn't have time to wait for a chorus shot but they serenaded us all the while we worked. May be able to share a piccy of them singing at a later date.
They are a very territorial bird. During nesting season they are reknown for swooping down and warning people off by flipping them on the head. Imagine that dagger of a beak pecking you. It's not very pleasant and quite dangerous for children on bikes.
They chose their enemies. Some people can pass freely others are always attacked. This was the case for my husband at one time. All the members of the family could walk freely but they would swoop him every time he set foot outside. Thank goodness nesting season doesn't last too long.
Great shot! I wouldn't want those beaks attacking me. Your poor husband...why do you think they attack him? Do they somehow think a male is more dangerous?
@ellida@lauriehiggins Thanks for your comments. Yes, have had blood drawn many times by that beak when I was a child. I rode a pony to school and one nested above the slip rails. As I would get off to drop the rails to go through I would invariably be flipped by one. Children and men do seem to be perceived as more of a threat and therefore are attacked more often.
@beannies Have just been very busy and to do business and shopping involves a long drive and a full day away from home so I got a little behind. Thanks for the welcome back.
