I've thought a tame Australian Magpie (
Gymnorhina tibicen ) would be lovely to have, having got to know many wild ones over the years. ( For those who don't know, these birds have one of the most beautiful, enlivening, gurgling songs in the world. )
This morning this juvenile was found squatting on the driveway, at risk of being run over. I collected it and put it on a limb of the big old gum where its nest is.
However, later in the day it appeared to have been abandoned by its parents and was wandering around lost. Though Zara gleefully chases magpies and leaps up into the air when I feed them, I caught a very touching moment ( but no photo! ) when she was saying hello to this newcomer.
So, here we are, the three of in the bedroom, magpie snoozing in a former laundry basket, Zara doing a bit of pacing around, and me regularly supplying freshly-dug worms.
such a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteThe things that fall into your lap are meant to be, I reckon, Matthew!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet! You're a good caretaker as is Zara!
ReplyDeleteI've had a lovely time. Such a beautiful creature he was - he died on Friday night. Thank you, Outlaw.
DeleteOh, I should have read this one first! Now that's a great story and you'll probably have a friend for life there. Baby maggies are just adorable, though slightly hard on the fingers when roosting on your hand. Quite a grip! You and Zara are lovely people, Faisal!
ReplyDeleteYou make me chuckle Carol. Yes, he had a strong grip - the feet seem to be full-size when the body is yet small!
Deleteso sad the bird died - love and good intentions are not always enough, are they? I heard the other day that magpies songs are incredibly complex musically.
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