Today,20th April, magpie chattering happily in tree where nest was built. This tree already full of flowering leaves and nest almost invisible. There are two adjacent trees(one taller-different species of tree) but both very bare of leaves so nest site would be fully exposed if built in either one of these.
Did the magpie know its chosen tree would flower earlier,(and hence conceal its nest)?
Probably, as its well equipped for modern life, as are all crow species(except the chough)!!
Today 15thMay magpie pair nesting in aforementioned tree. The female bird always(without exception)flies into the tree away from the nest.
What better way to keep nestlings safe from prying eyes(as for example carrion crows)?
I have watched this several times. The magpie flies into different parts of the tree and then hops upward(under concealment of leaves) before entering nest.
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