I always do this - meant to reply to the list as well. See below for the reply
I sent to Michael a while back
Begin forwarded message:
Hi Michael (et al.),
I've observed almost identical behaviour in the park across from my house - the
victim in that instance was a Laughing Dove, and the attack was carried out by
two magpies. Once again killed by repeated stabbing blows, mostly to the head
and nape. Once dead, no further interest was shown by the magpies
Cheers,
John
> Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2014 18:30:05 +1000
> From:
> To:
> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Magpie killing Crested Pigeon
>
> Hello all,
>
> I was at Broken Hill for work this week and made what was to me a strange
> observation. While walking along Argent Street (without my camera of
> course), I heard a thud beside me and saw a Crested Pigeon on the ground
> that must have hit the ground fairly hard. A Magpie flew straight down to
> the pigeon before I had time to react and started pecking it quickly and
> aggressively around the head. The pigeon was clearly still alive- flapping
> its wings and kicking its legs.
>
> For a moment I considered whether I should try to save the pigeon and then
> realised that the pigeon was already probably too far gone and also decided
> that I shouldn't interrupt a natural event.I watched for another 10-15
> seconds while the magpie dispatched with the pigeon, many of the pecks were
> directed at the back of the head and the face. I actually wondered whether
> the magpie was going to start eating. I decided to rush back to my
> accommodation to grab the camera (only 50 m. away) as the magpie didn't
> look like it was going anywhere. When I returned the magpie had left.
> Looking back I assume that it must have been a territorial magpie that was
> in a mean frame of mind that morning.
>
> Just curious to know if others have seen similar behaviour by magpies?
>
> Cheers
>
> Mick Todd
>
> Michael Todd
> Red Cliffs, VIC
> http://wildlifing.smugmug.com/
> LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-todd/2b/425/605
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