The first Magpie chick tries it's wings

For the last few weeks I have been listening to the progress of the new baby magpies. I'm still not sure if there is only one or maybe two. I have noticed the change in the tone of the birds calls. Definately a difference between a newly hatched chick and an almost ready to fly bird. The weather has been terrible from time to time and the nest and occupants have survived the wind rain and cold conditions.

Today when I returned from my walk I heard a bit of activity on the driveway. Lot's of squarking and flying around by the parents. Then I spotted the new bird sitting about 10 metres from the family tree. Suddenly I was warned off by a very angry couple of parents. I kept my distance and went inside to fetch the camera. I was a bit worried that the new bird may have trouble flying, but just after I took the photo, it flew with off with immature wings, flapping madly trying to get some height. I was a bit relieved as I was worried that it would be a target for cats or foxes. I feel anxious about the next few days as I feel this young bird will be at risk. Fingers crossed, I will keep you posted. I wonder if there are any more newbies in the nest?

The top 2 photo's are of a protective parent warning me to keep my distance.

Operation Magpie

ABC Radio and Uni SA are conducting a magpie survey. I have decided to contribute my experiences with my new family in the garden.

Here is a link to the website if you are interested.

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/08/31/2672064.htm?site=adelaide

Things that make you say..."what the f..k..."

"let's start a veggie garden she cried........."

Here is the start of the veggie plot, about 2 weeks after planting the seedlings.

Raised bed in the foreground was planted with seedlings.

The 2 beds at the rear are for stages 2 and 3, to be planted with seeds.

The veggies got off to a good start even though the weather was still cold.
The bed is compact, and includes leeks, silver beet, beetroot, spinach, rocket,
spring onions, cauliflowers and tomato's at the back.

Here is a magpie eye view of stage 2, with peas growing well, climbing up the trellis.

Look carefully and you can see a row of carrots, barely an inch high.

Stage 3 has been planted with beans and they are looking fine.

Growing veggies is a satisfying and rewarding task, and is a nice way

to relax after a busy day at work.

Growing up in a market garden family it has all come back to me,

the soil preparation, the planting the care and maintenance.

It's much more relaxing doing this on a small scale.

Already we have reaped the benefits.

The rocket, which grew the quickest is a nice addition to the salads.

Yesterday for lunch I pulled a handfull of spring onions,

washed and trimmed them and ate them in a sandwich.

Pure bliss.

Nothing like picking your own produce fresh from the garden.

Magpie update.....

The red circle marks the spot where the nest is located.

Almost impossible to see standing at the base of the tree.

When the wind blows the tree sways a lot.

I wonder if the babies are scared when it blows.

Yesterday a whirly wind drifted through the trees.

I checked for any casualties at the bottom ..........all clear.

The nest must be strong and anchored well.

me updating my blog....

Musical interlude.....

I have recently discovered this amazing singer.

Antony and The Johnsons.

Listen.......you will be amazed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l48aOXWKx4E

web page

http://www.antonyandthejohnsons.com/

It's Magpie season again.....

Last week I was sitting out the front of the house having a cuppa with my faithfull cat Rosie. It was right at the end of winter, spring was only a few days away. Out in the front paddock was a pair of Magpies being very agitated about something that I could not see. They were swooping and cursing at something behind the wood heap. I suddenly realised that they must be trying to protect something, and my senses sparked up. In between the squarking by the swooping maggies I could hear a faint sound of new birds in a nest. Near the house is 2 large pine trees and the sound was coming from the very top of one of the huge trees. So yes they were probably the family that the parents were trying to protect. I put my coffee down and walked towards the wood heap, the closer I got the better view of the commotion was to be had. A few metres from the heap, I suddenly spotted a neighbours cat being the recipient of the constant attack. Until I appeared the cat was ignoring the threats from the 2 birds. Just then the cat spotted me, and turned and sprinted off towards the fence. I shouted out some loud shooing sounds to help the cat along. The two Magpies realised that I was helping them and they calmed down and silently thanked me for the intervention. Since then I have listened daily for the screeching young birds in the nest. I have looked at the top of the pine tree with binoculars, only to see the bottom of the sturdy nest wedged in the fork of the tree. I thought I would keep an eye on the family and report on proceedings. Today, about a week later from the cat incident, it's very windy outside and the nest is swaying in the strong breeze. I haven't spotted the parents anywhere close to the tree today. I hope they are okay, and that they haven't decided to abandon the nest. Stay tuned.

UPDATE:- Last night I heard the Mum and Dad Magpies calling, but they normally do this on a full moon night. This morning when I opened the front door, I could hear the baby birds chirping. I have also seen a parent flying away from the nest tree, so all is well so far.

UPDATE:- It's been over a week and the chicks are growing, well at least they sound like they are. They are more vocal and call out much louder. Mum and Dad are very aggressive to any concieved threats. I saw them chase off a hawk that circling around the nest tree. I am looking forward to seeing the young ones out of the nest and sitting on the branches, flexing their wings. Maybe I will be able to get a picture as well.