There is a new statue in the city centre. The statue is called Big Swoop. It is a bit scary because it is of a giant magpie and for 3 or 4 months every year magpies are a bit of a menace. While the eggs are hatching and the chicks are growing to the stage they can leave the nest, some male magpies go into uber-protective mode. They become nature's dive bombers, screaming down behind unsuspecting people and small bears and sometimes causing bad accidents when the sudden unexpected swoosh and clack of beak makes riders fall off bicycles or people fall or collide with walls or trees. Sometimes they strike with their claws or beak and have put victims into hospital. Other than this worrying time, maggies are fine. They are one of Australia's best songbirds. They have a huge range of notes and sound great to this small bear. Magpies are found all around Australia and live quite happily in city trees and parks.
In other news, now that travel is on again, I needed a bigger suitcase. Mum found this one which looks just like the big ones the Oldies use. Just 8 weeks to wait and it will make its first trip - watch this space.
Labels: birds, Canberra
# posted by Bart Bear @ 2:56 pm
