Ballet and sticks may not typically go together but that combination still comes to mind whenever I see this image.
A pair of Black-billed Magpies on Antelope Island has been busy this spring robbing twigs and sticks from an old nest and using them in building a new one about 50 yards away. Their nest-building/refurbishing has been more sporadic than in past years but maybe that’s because they had an early start due to our unusually warm weather in February.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
This mass of twigs sticks up above the domed nest and it’s an obvious choice as a landing perch when they’re bringing in nesting materials so I had hopes of getting many clear shots as they came in or took off from it but it turns out that they seldom use it, preferring instead to land lower on the bush where there are many obstructing twigs in the way of the photographer.
Birds can be uncooperative about things like that.
Ron
Note: Later this morning we’ll be leaving on our first camping/photo trip of the season. Our first trip is usually a short one, designed to be a shake-down cruise to work the winter bugs out of the camping trailer. Internet access will likely be sporadic at best but I can usually get any comment emails on my phone and I do enjoy reading them. I’ve prepared several posts to be auto-published in my absence.
More great photos of Black-billed magpies Ron! Your photography of these beauties really inspires me. The iridescent colors (green tints) you have captured in your images are great. Thanks.
I think that bird is practising for either the Summer Olympics gymnastic events or a tryout with the Flying Wallendas as a high wire artist…probably the latter. It’s act should be fantastic!
Another terrific behavioral photograph! Nice balance of the difficult blacks and whites, too. I love observing the Corvidae as they seem so intelligent in their activities.
I totally empathize with that uncooperative bird thing. Of course, if it was easy, even I would be taking great photographs!
What a great capture!
Howdy Ron,
What a pleasure it is to see your fine images.They reliably lift my spirits while your commentary educates beyond most anything else I’m exposed to, stimulating my observations and appreciation for so much I’ve overlooked. Thank you so very much!
Well done, sir!!!!!!!!!!
Rhythmic gymnasts could learn a lot from this bird, who faces degrees of difficulty with are completely alien to them. No flat, padded matter. No sinuous ribbon to twist. And grace and style in every movement.
Great shot Ron. If you are by there again could you take a pic of the actual nest so we can get an idea of the size? The new that I have seen have been rather large. Thanks.
I really like Dave’s description of this bird as a tightrope walker. The photo is gorgeous. Hope you have a wonderful time on your camping trip.
What the matter with those crazy birds?!! Don’t they know you are making them famous, Ron?? LOL.
They simply have no appreciation for my efforts, Jo Ann…
What a beautiful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I moved to England from Wisconsin. Magpies are a common bird where I live in the Cotswolds. Some of the large estate (huge farms) game keepers trap and kill them as they predate song bird nests and eat the eggs and young. There is a wonderful movement to re-establish the songbird populations and it seems to be working as there are many song birds along the footpaths I walk, However, it is very sad to see a magpie in a small cage used as bait to lure in others.
They are wary of people out in the countryside. This is a great image to show their behavior.
Wendy, From what you’ve said I can certainly understand why they’re wary. They’re smart and it doesn’t take them long to learn what threatens them.
Tight rope walker – requires balance and they sometimes do use a stick.
Enjoy your camping trip.
Hadn’t thought of that, Dave. You’re right – Wallenda Magpie!