Dear Readers, my back is playing up a bit at the moment (nothing serious, just too much sitting around and not enough moving around) but it does mean that I get to gaze out of the window and wonder what on earth is going on. Take this magpie, for example. I’m sure it’s just innocently checking out gutters for tasty titbits, but there is something so considered about this one as it goes about its business.
Also, the iridescence on the feathers is really quite something – these are very handsome birds, for all that they don’t endear themselves to everyone. In cities they often seem part of the clean up squad. Our local magpies have also had a huge falling out with the crows who nest in a big tree on the other side of the road, so this one was quiet, and relatively mannerly.
I’m loving the leaf colour on the Juneberry/Shadbush/Amelanchior opposite too, although it wasn’t a source of much curiosity for the magpie, who much preferred the opportunities that human habitation provided.
And then it was up and away, probably to find a high vantage point to investigate further culinary opportunities.
And then off. As for me, I’m still trying to decide whether I need a cold compress or a hot water bottle. I shall probably be fine tomorrow. And in the meantime, I’m going to take myself downstairs to give the foster cats a cuddle. They’ve calmed down a fair bit since their arrival, and are now just about the friendliest cats you can imagine. And they’re available to rehome via the RSPCA here…
