Magpie in trouble

It is very difficult to get a decent photo of a Magpie (Pica pica) in which the iridescent colours are visible, but I accidentally did it yesterday because I left the flash on. They don't like photos. The magpie had got itself trapped in the sheds with the wasps and cats, and there was a lot of excitement when I arrived on the scene. I think the magpie must have been watching the wasps and followed them in to the shed to rob the nest, only to find the wasp's had chosen a shed filled with cats as a site.

 

They are usually extremely cunning birds, and seem to know if you are trying to photograph them, and take evasive action.

A friend of mine once described seeing a "council of magpies" in a field in the depth of night as he walked home along a lonely road. Apparently it was very eerie, and the birds were chattering loudly. He estimated between forty and 60 of them. Nobody knows why these gatherings occur, but it was once believed that this was where they discussed business, and their secret laws. They do seem to have a mysterious culture.

 

This one escaped unharmed after I opened the big door. It's the first time I've ever seen one trapped in anything. Usually they are way too sly.

Done