Whilst playing golf at The Vines in Ellenbrook (30kms north of Perth) on 25
April I observed an Australian Magpie with a large prey item. I managed to have
a closer look and it turned out to be a young 25-30cm long Dugite. It appeared
to be still alive but probably for not much longer as the magpie was keen to
return to its catch.
This is the second time I have seen a magpie with a young dugite, the other
instance was about 7 years ago at Whiteman Park, coincidentally only 15kms away
from The Vines.
It is relatively unusual for Dugites to be out and about in late April as
normally they start their hibernation in March. No doubt the unseasonal warm
weather being experienced around Perth in April (temps often up to 30c) is
largely responsible.
As kookaburras were evidently introduced to Perth surrounds to control snakes
100 years ago, perhaps if the magpie's appetitite for snakes was better known
at that time, this could have meant no Laughing Kookaburras for WA.
Would be interested to know if snake predation by magpies in the east is
relatively common or not.
Regards Wynton Maddeford
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