| Re: Magpie on seed feeder !
I like Magpies as a rule, but was not endeared to them by an incident over the weekend.
I'm usually relatively immune to "nature red in tooth and claw", but this time I intervened in a scene where 2 magpies were attacking a third.
When I came across them the victim was on it's back on the ground being pecked continuously by the other 2. I have little doubt that it would have been to the death. The attackers flew into a nearby tree as I approached, but the victim lay there until I was right next to it, then flew weakly into a bush. As I walked away, the attackers were straight back having another go. I ended up rescuing the victim, who had visible peck marks around the face and legs.
It seemed to recover some strength over a couple of hours and I released it, but frankly don't hold out much hope for it's long term survival particularly while it stays in the other 2's territory. In hindsight, maybe I should have taken it to a sanctuary.
Natural selection in action - except that I interfered!
Jerry  |