Monty magpie and Loki lorikeet know each other quite well. They share the gum trees in the bush. Keep any eye out for predators in the valley and when all is well, they catch up on all the neighbourhood gossip while larking out on the mulberry tree.
Before long, Lori decided it was time to inspect Monty's favourite spa and thirst quencher. A surprised Monty decided to let go of his initial territorial instincts and join his friend instead.
Take a look at the slideshow below for a peek at the birds. read more »
Unfortunately our camera is on the fritz, just when you need it most! read more »
Just to let you know about recent happenings with Maggie and Co, it's that time of year when the birds arrange their territories for the next twelve months. Not much action with our birds this year though (not yet, anyway). I got a clue that the Mags gang and Larry (grey butcherbird) gang have settled their quarrel. Last week, when I went up to the gate to call Larry, he and Maggie flew in side-by-side, then Maggie landed and Larry went to his nearby tree. But it was a definite signal to me that they are on amicable terms again. read more »
Over the past few months, our birds' feathers have all generally improved - Vicky's, for example, have grown nicely where she had a bald spot for about six months. But our new adult magpie, Wendy, has surprised us. Slowly but surely, her off-white neck feathers have got whiter - whiter and whiter. Are we going to have to change Wendy's name to William? read more »
Friarbirds visit our yard in spring for a few weeks. They have an unusual call which sounds like they are talking to you and saying 'What ya doin?" and they repeat it often as they sip the nectar in the grevillea bushes. They also like the nectar in the lemon and orange blossoms. The first year of our friendship with Maggie (magpie) I would often sit outside at the read more »
A sharp squawk from behind the bush and all the birds take off! read more »
Over the past few weeks our various baby birds have been gaining confidence and getting to know us better. At first when they come, they follow their parents around for food, then they try a bit for themselves, picking it up off the grass experimentally. (They have surprising difficulty when very young picking up their own food, even though they have already become accomplished fliers.) read more »
Butch and Cass the pied-butcherbirds have had a better year too. Chucky is the newest addition to their fold. Butch and Cass took a leaf out of Maggie's book and have let two year old Dimpy stay on for another year. They reckon they need the extra pair of eyes (or rather wings) to help them mind their super energetic kids. Kerry too is enjoying the company having an older and younger sibling around. Chucky has a beautiful singing voice - really fine and mellow - quite unusual as he is just a very young chick. read more »
After the tragic loss of three gorgeous chicks (and possibly more) Maggie and Vicky are happy to be blessed with Monty and Mindy from Vicky's second clutch in 2007. Sophie loves the pair dearly, they help her heal from her loss. Wendy is happy to have two younger playmates - but is a bit overwhelmed by them at times. read more »
Reader Lynell sent us this story and pictures:
It’s so nice to find a site that features Magpies. I just wanted to share some photos of my Maggie. We actually had a Mum & Dad live here for the past 3 years.
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