Recently on a morning bush walk with Milo, I noticed a magpie at the edge of our neighborhood. Nothing unusual about that, until I realized he was following us. On foot. When we walked, he scurried along behind us. When we stopped to look, he stopped too, affecting a casual demeanor. As soon as my back was turned, he followed us again.
I was concerned at first he would swoop us, so I kept an eye on him. He continued to follow us.
I was concerned at first he would swoop us, so I kept an eye on him. He continued to follow us.
Then I thought that maybe he was injured and couldn’t fly, but he was quick to swoop another magpie who entered his territory. And then he was back to following us.
Even Milo after a while was puzzled by this bird’s persistence.
He followed us for around 800 feet, which is nearly three football fields in length.
Why? Was he escorting us politely from his territory? Looking for food from me? Was he just curious?
Magpie behavior is often a mystery to me. Magpies are among the most intelligent birds, and they often engage with humans. They recognize faces over time, and there are accounts of them gardening, attempting to type at a keyboard, and introducing their offspring to their favorite humans. They have twice been observed in behavior that looks like a trial by jury.
This was not the first time I have been puzzled by a magpie. Around six months ago, when I was hiking at Red Hill, a magpie marched right up to me, a few inches from my toes.
Why? Was he escorting us politely from his territory? Looking for food from me? Was he just curious?
Magpie behavior is often a mystery to me. Magpies are among the most intelligent birds, and they often engage with humans. They recognize faces over time, and there are accounts of them gardening, attempting to type at a keyboard, and introducing their offspring to their favorite humans. They have twice been observed in behavior that looks like a trial by jury.
This was not the first time I have been puzzled by a magpie. Around six months ago, when I was hiking at Red Hill, a magpie marched right up to me, a few inches from my toes.
Clearly, he needed something. Turns out what he needed was an audience. He treated me to a long, glorious song.
Australian magpies are endlessly fascinating, mysterious birds, and I am glad to have them as my neighbors.
Australian magpies are endlessly fascinating, mysterious birds, and I am glad to have them as my neighbors.
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