Bird Watching: Osprey season 2011. Guess what we've got!, 0 by MargaretK

MargaretK wrote:
An Australian bird which is loved by most and feared by some, especially during the nesting season, is the Australian Magpie. They are wonderful birds that are very much part of suburban, bush and woodland life and have the most gorgeous, fluting song. I believe they have recently been reclassified as a songbird. There are not many Australian families that don't feed Magpies titbits and they become so accustomed to humans, they will happily wander into the house if a door is left open. They are territorial birds and during nesting season, they become even more so, and will fiercely defend their young from any threat, perceived or real. Humans who have been accepted by a family of Magpies have nothing to fear, but other Magpies, especially those that have been teased, chased or tormented, become attack birds for a few short weeks each spring.

There's a family of Magpies in a tree somewhere in the vicinity of the Osprey nest. When I arrived there this afternoon, I saw a female swoop down on Big Hook, who was sitting on top of the chicks. Later, when Dad arrived with the ghastly plastic bag, Big Hook took off for a brief flight. Out of nowhere came a female Magpie, who pursued Big Hook up and down the bay. I managed just a couple of blurry shots, but you'll get the idea.