Last week I was watching a squirrel eating mealworms on my balcony when a large bird tried to land on the railing, but the squirrel chased it off and the bird landed in a nearby tree. It was in shadow but I took some photos anyway and lightened them in edit to discover it was a magpie. The images are not good, but I am going to share them because Magpies never usually come so far up here, but I have seen them in the avenue of chestnut trees. The next day two magpies came, but as I raised my camera ever so slightly they both flew away as they have excellent eyesight and that slight movement didn't go unnoticed. They are very intelligent corvids like the Common Ravon, Carrion Crow and Jay. The Magpie's brain-to-body-mass ratio is comparable to the great apes and humans.
21 comments:
How lovely, you took wonderful photos! I'm thrilled.
Have a lovely evening!
Glad you shared your photos. How wonderful that they are in your area.
I've only ever seen one magpie in my life -- when we were in England. I was excited -- they were lovely! So are your photos -- I think you got terrific images!
Magpies there look quite different there..they are very pretty!
Hello dear Sonjia,
What beautiful photos of the magpie, they are indeed very smart birds and incredibly shy.
The Iberian azure magpie does not occur in our area.
I wish you a wonderful Wednesday.
All the best, Irma
We are all delighted, Sonjia, to share in these magpie moments. They are wonderful birds, bold, brassy and blessed with great intelligence. The last time I saw magpies was on a visit to England last October. When I see that Azure-winged Magpie it makes me want to visit the Algarve right away! Hugs and kisses - David
I think the magpie is a wonderful bird. Not everyone likes the bird.
Dear Sonjia :)
Beautiful photos of the Magpie.
Warm hugs.
Marit
awesome pictures...i do not see magpies here in my yard. how exciting, i enjoyed the information!!
Gorgeous photos! I feel as though I am right there with you!
So pleased you shared your magpie photographs ... I enjoyed seeing them.
All the best Jan
...Sonjia, when I see your post pop up I take that to mean that you are feeling better. I hope that is true. Let's hope that you continue to enjoy so many visitors to your balcony. Be well.
I love Magpies, Sonjia! Need to upload the one from Perth. Have a happy weekend.
Hello Sonjia,
It is always nice to see a post from you! I love the Magpies, they are pretty birds. The Azure-winged Magpie is a new bird for me, they are lovely too. I hope you are well! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Such good shots of a handsome bird, Sonjia. Be well.
Me han encantado tus fotografías querida amiga. Las urracas me parecen preciosas. Besos.
I really like the look of that Iberian Azure-winged Magpie. Might have to pop to Portugal at some point to locate one.
What a beautiful bird. Happy Sunday.
rsrue.blogspot.com
So wonderful to have magpies visit your balcony!
Even in shadow, your photos captured the moment beautifully.
I enjoyed reading about their sharp eyesight and intelligence-- such fascinating birds.
Very nice pics of this bird. I love the word "magpie". In German it is called "Elster". And magpie to me is known as the designation of the english football team Newcastle United. Thanks for your kind visit to my blog.
Have a good time
Violetta
Lovely encounter! Magpies are such sharp and wary birds. Makes those balcony sightings feel extra special.
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