Magpie with a stick. Why?

[monkeyrepublic]

Just saw a magpie flying around with a stick somewhat longer than its body.

Why? Surely it's not building a nest now?

[htcdude]

Given the size of a Magpie nest and the time it takes to build, and the fact they start breeding at the start of Spring, it wouldn't surprise me if they were starting to build now.

Nige

[artdemole]

Magpie rebuild their nest starting as early as winter. Keeping the base of an old nest then rebuilding the inside every year.Perhaps the relative mildness of the season has something to do with it ...

[rossy]

yes its more common than you think, at this time of the year with there being no leaves on the trees, you will notice if you are observant enough, the structure of magpies taking shape, plenty round here happening at the moment, they also reinforce existing nests, as well as roosting in them. rossy.