Like a stealth bomber, the magpie was flying in low and under radar to unload it’s payload of ammunition on the unsuspecting squirrel, who was caught without his wingman.  Where, oh, where is Maverick when you need him?

Actually, the squirrel was running for dear life, because he knew the magpie was after him.  It was quite amusing to watch. A pair of finches were dive bombing this magpie and it’s mate, because the magpies kept getting too close to the finches’ nest that is right outside my window.  That, in and of itself, was amusing enough, but there was this squirrel hanging around in the bushes right by the office.  Since the magpies were getting attacked by the little birds, they had to attack something in return.  Poor squirrel.

I know exactly how that squirrel felt.  A few years ago I was chased around my yard by a magpie.  I was taking the trash out and heard a noise nearby.  I looked around and didn’t see anything, then I heard something at my feet.  There was a magpie sitting there about three feet away.  I said hello to the inquisitive bird and it hopped closer to me.  I backed up.  It hopped closer yet.  I backed up some more, while it hopped closer.  Pretty soon I was running in circles while this magpie was flying around chasing me. 

I saw my neighbor across the street watching this bit of drama, so over I ran and stood on her steps talking to her through the screen door.  I have no idea why she didn’t let me in their home, but she didn’t.  I wasn’t there for more than a few seconds when the magpie quickly closed the gap, so back across the street I ran, right into my house.  I just barely got the door closed in time or that thing would have flown in, of that I am positive.  I talked with the neighbors again later that day and the bird had been trying to get in their house earlier that morning and also did the same thing to my neighbors right next to me. 

While the magpie mostly eats insects, along with berries, nuts and seeds, it is also a carrion eater.  They are one of the few birds who use their sense of smell to find food.  My across the street neighbor works in pest control and was emptying some mouse trap captures into the garbage can that morning.  I think that is what first attracted the magpie’s attention, and then I added to it by taking some past it’s prime meat out to the trash.  Let this be a word of warning if you live in an area with magpies – don’t let your meat spoil!