Bird Watching: Daily Pics Vol. 137, 1 by MargaretK

MargaretK wrote:
This is the adult male Western Magpie, distinguished by his white saddle back. Magpies are found over most of Australia. There are, I think three different types, Black Backed, White Backed and Western. We only have Western Magpies in WA. They are beautiful birds with the most beautiful song. One starts to sing and the others join in, in turn, to conclude with a diapason of sound. During late winter, leading up to the breeding season (now) they sing all night long although they are not nocturnal birds. They are extremely territorial and will swoop and snap just over your head if you go anywhere near the nest tree. Saying that, if they know you, they couldn't care less about your presence. They particularly target boys and people riding bicycles. Boys because they are more often than not the ones who torment them and I would think that they also associate boys with bicycles. People have made the mistake of turning around to face a swooping magpie (they nearly always come from behind) and have lost eyes as a result. The only time the birds connect is if the person changes direction or if the bird misjudges its flight. In early October they always put articles on the TV news cautioning people to steer clear of nesting trees. Not all families attack, it depends on their experiences with humans. They are well loved birds and I don't think I'd be exaggerating when I say that most Australian households have fed or do feed these birds. Wallaby, you'd be familiar with them, wouldn't you, from your days in Victor Harbor? Have I summed it up reasonably well?