THE INEXPLICABLE MUTED MAGPIE

A Story by G.E.P. Wellard

On Yladgee the house and sheds are right in the middle of the territory of about fourteen magpies. This fact can be determined when, in the early morning, they greet the dawn by singing their carols from the special trees that mark their particular territory.

One day I was working with sheep in the yards and had previously noticed the magpies feeding about two hundred yards away in one of the paddocks. In no way could the magpies be classed as pets. They just come and go as they please.

This morning, I just happened to look up from my work and noticed one of the magpies take off and fly towards me. I thought nothing of it, until it settled on one of the rails of the yard about three feet from me, and being curious as to why she had come so close to me, and just by way of conversation, I asked “What do you want?”. I then noticed her beak as quivering very very slightly. I could also make out some very slight movement in her throat. This made me think she must be sick, so I became more interested in her.

I suddenly realised she was singing, very, very faintly, all the magpie carols. I had to strain very hard to hear her in spite of the fact that she was only three feet away.

She kept on singing for about three minutes and never once raised her voice. I had never heard anything like it before or for that matter since. I have never enjoyed a bird song more.

Why did she do it?

Did she come so close to me so that I would be able to hear her, or was she just showing off? Whatever it was, I was glad it happened to me. She eventually flew back and rejoined her feeding companions, and I was left to wonder why I had been so privileged to hear this muted carol.

Postscript:

( Robin King wrote: “Had similar thing happen when I returned to my house after a period away, and 3 maggies went on and on in a beautiful melody on the verandah. Enough to move me. They weren't begging, they just wanted to "talk" to me.”)

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:      G. E. P. Wellard

                                  Image:     

Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2024