Please check out the book "Magpie Alert" by Darryl Jones, UNSW Press
2002, ISBN 0-86840-668-6. That explores all these issues. It is good,
apart from a moderate sprinkling of small editing errors. I did a review
of it in Canberra Bird Notes.
Philip Veerman
24 Castley Circuit
Kambah ACT 2902
02 - 62314041
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of Peter Adderley
Sent: Monday, 17 August 2009 11:25 PM
To:
Subject: Magpie attacks
May I say that magpies are far more intelligent than they seem, and have
very long memories.
When I was school kid I remember being swooped upon by maggies and
became a little nervous at this time of the year.
It can be intimidating but remember just who's invading who's territory?
Over the years I have learned that magpies get to know you, despite long
absences. I raised one once and it was a life-changing experience.
Particularly because I had to teach the little bugger to fly. But that
was 35 years ago. (and I no longer fly ;-) )
I was surprised a few weeks ago when a magpie landed on my veranda, no
more than a metre from my computer and looked expectantly at me with one
foot tucked under.
It would have been two or three years since I fed a magpie, but he
certainly knew who I was. He was polite but his agenda was quite
obvious. As he(or she) is bringing up chicks how can you possible refuse
such a
personal approach?
I guess my point is this: despite many trees that harbour magpie nests I
can walk the local streets with total impunity, because the maggies all
know me.
I don't think this is just hopeful imagination. And I remain honoured to
be part of their extended community, even as a humble human.
As for the left-handedness of Magpies, it only goes to show the artistic
nature of the bird. I mean, how would you be, born with an alto-clarinet
in your gizzard? ;-)
Cheers,
Peter
Scot Mcphee wrote:
> My wife got attacked four times by a particularly vicious one that
> used to be in Milton. All on the right. Drew blood - quite a bit of
> it. That little bugger got me one, smack on the right cheek. Also drew
> blood.
>
> regs
> scot
>
> 2009/8/17 Brian Johnson <>:
>
>> Hi. Yesterday, a group of us were riding our bikes and doing a bit of
>> birdwatching. One of our group made us aware of a particularly nasty
>> male magpie attacking on the track crossing Bribie Island. The claim
>> was made that "all magpies attacking from behind then try to peck the
>> left side of the face/ear etc" because bike riders are wearing
>> helmets and the magpie can't inflict any damage there. An interesting
>> conversation then occurred about past experiences with magpies. We
>> are wondering if others have noticed a magpies' preference for the
>> left. Any studies?? Any ideas?? Brian www.birding-aus.org
>> birding-aus.blogspot.com
===============================
www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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