Magpie, An Australian Story
How fear turns into violence
It’s springtime in Australia so that means the most feared of all Australian wildlife is out — not a deadly snake or a spider, not even the great white shark, but a bird. The magpie.
In my cycling days, I had had my fair share of magpie divebomb attacks. The sight of a magpie sitting on a low branch, scanning the surrounding area would strike fear in my heart. In later years, as I take my children to the playground in October and November, I am vigilant with hats, bike helmets and sunglasses, aware that as I try to protect my babies, the magpies are protecting their own babies in their nests.
Is all of this fear unwarranted or misplaced? Who has more to fear, we humans, or the magpies?
I started writing a children’s book a few years ago with a magpie and other Australian wildlife as characters. The more I learnt about Australian birds during the writing process, the more I came to admire and love our magpies. My attitude to their springtime swooping changed as a result.
Magpies are highly intelligent birds. They are capable of learning and recognising human faces. They have complex social interactions. And of course, they are dedicated and protective parents.
