Just a couple from our garden. Sharing for interest.

Last season we were a little distraught to notice that one of the magpie youngsters was missing almost the entire top of her beak. It was very interesting to notice how Mum and Dad gave her extra attention. Whilst they were poking food down her mouth she coped very well but we wondered how long this feeding would go on. Anyway - this year "Beakie" (you have to name them don't you?) is still with us, and quite independant of the parents. She has taught herself to toss the food in the air and swallow it on the way down. She is so good at it that I can throw the odd morsel up for her and she rarely misses. She spears worms and such and then does her tossing in the air trick with them. Her tongue is always exposed and I worried about infection, but so far so good.



And also with our resident magpie family - a new baby.
We haven't seen Mum for a while, but Dad has stepped up and taken over the paternal duties and the youngster seems to be doing very well.