Vale Maggie.

[platypus]

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A human-friendly Magpie that I have had the pleasure of feeding regularly at the kitchen door for the past few years has been missing for a week.

I finally found his remains yesterday, down by the river, far from his own territory. Given the timing and that he was such a young and healthy bird,

we can only that think that he must have been the victim of a recent savage windstorm which also took down trees and removed the roof of a house nearby.

He was a charming bird, his going leaves a big gap.

The first photo is of Maggie in happier times

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[pauledell]

Dee,

 

A fine set of pictures but a sad story.

 

Paul

[Karl G]

I agree with Paul. Also my condolences. It's nicer on the whole when you don't find their fate.

[platypus]

I agree with Paul. Also my condolences. It's nicer on the whole when you don't find their fate.

 

I appreciate your condolences Karl, thanks.

Regarding "fate", on the whole I think I would rather know, even if it's the worst possible news. That is the reason that I devoted so much time looking for the bird all week.

It is always a nagging thought in the back of your mind when any animal suddenly disappears for no apparent reason. Living on a large grazing property (ranch) we are witness to many sad and harrowing situations regarding animals.

This was merely another of those, and just a bird, when all is said and done.

[allamande]

Dee,

 

It's not just a bird when you develop a relationship with them. Just your narrative is enough to pull us in to the story as well, and at least for me, it's heartbreak. Yes, death is part of life, and so is heartbreak.

 

Ece

[Northwest Wanderer]

Sorry about your magpie Dee. Nature can be cruel at times. I've always enjoyed magpies. They are beautiful birds and fun to watch.

[platypus]

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Thank you Ece and Bill for you understanding.

The wind storm was a tragedy for the local bird-life. It occurred at night

and caught them completely unaware. We have been coming across groups

of dead birds strewn everywhere, apart from magpies; crows, currawongs,

galahs, rosellas, really anything that could be blown out of a tree.

So sad, crazy weather.

[fotografr]

Magpies, and a lot of other birds, are much more intelligent than generally credited. It's always sad when a creature you have developed a relationship with dies.

[platypus]

Thanks Brent, you are correct, some bird species are smart and some members do have big personalities.

For years this magpie had been in the habit of calling at the kitchen door several times a day, every day and, in his gorgeous, melodious voice, demanding his food.

He would delicately accept the meat from my hand, no thanks forthcoming of course, but that didn't matter at all, he had me trained to serve!

[Karl G]

Thanks Brent, you are correct, some bird species are smart and some members do have big personalities.

For years this magpie had been in the habit of calling at the kitchen door several times a day, every day and, in his gorgeous, melodious voice, demanding his food.

He would delicately accept the meat from my hand, no thanks forthcoming of course, but that didn't matter at all, he had me trained to serve!