Magpies – Peace – Tranquillity and Reality.
It’s interesting how when you least expect it an idea for a story or a poem will pop into your head. For instance, right now I turn my head and glance out of my window to see our foundation mare Sarah meandering, she is 34, back to her feed bin to start her breakfast.
The peace is broken by an argument between the ever warring factions of minor birds and magpies. I have long realised birds do not get on any better than people do! But it is nesting time and there’s competition for food. All the birds and I mean all, at sometime during the day congregate around our house waiting for a handout to supplement their young. How can we refuse their request and if we are quick enough they can be fed and gone before they deposit a thank you on the table or chairs!
When I read Susan Skowronski’s poem “Magpies” it made me smile, so today I thought I would share the – peace – tranquillity and reality of magpies! Enjoy.
Magpies
Six young magpies
dressed in schoolboy grey
strut onto my patio.
The backyard choir
experiments with sound
test their vocal cords.
A ‘clack clack’ and a ’squaark’
before sweet operatic air
floats through my window
and enchants.
Six young magpies
lined up side by side
a family of choristers
their voices rise and fall
in perfect harmony
high and clear
to deep and mellow
rich and varied carolling
inspires and delights.
But
I must protest –
‘Get off my barbeque!’
(c) Susan Skowronski 2012
About the Australian Magpie
The Australian Magpie is black and white, but the plumage pattern varies across its range. Its nape, upper tail and shoulder are white in males, grey in females. Across most of Australia, the remainder of the body is black. In the south-east, centre, extreme south-west and Tasmania, the back and rump are entirely white. The eye of adult birds is chestnut brown.
Australian Magpies are common and conspicuous birds. Groups of up to 24 birds live year round in territories that are actively defended by all group members. The group depends on this territory for its feeding, roosting and nesting requirements.
The Australian Magpie walks along the ground searching for insects and their larvae. Birds will also take handouts from humans and will often venture into open houses to beg for food.
Although the Australian Magpie is generally quite tame, during the breeding season some individuals become aggressive towards any intruders, including humans, which venture too close to their nest sites. The nest is a platform of sticks and twigs (occasionally wire), with a small interior bowl lined with grass and hair. The nest is constructed in the outer branches of a tree, up to 15 m above the ground.Some Australian Magpies can be very aggressive during breeding season and attacks on humans and pets can occur.
The Australian Magpie has one of the world’s most complex bird songs. A loud musical flute-like song, often performed as a duet or by groups. An uncommon alternative name for the Australian Magpie is Flute Bird.
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