I have never been swooped even though as a kid I have walked/ridden areas
that were declared very dangerous. On the old three term Aug./Sept.
holidays, going to the same place for about ten years, the magpies swooping
the locals who were amazed that the magpies would not attack me. I have
always tried to help injured birds/animals, supplemented there feed during
the winter and help orphaned bubs. I often wonder if all the birds have a
6th sense or have some communication mechanism through Mother Nature!!!
Basically living with mother nature rather than fighting her.
Perhaps Denise Goodfellow can shed some light on this from an indigenous
perspective.
-----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
>>
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>
>
>
>
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