Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

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alpineart
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Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by alpineart »

This has been a 20 year marathon ongoing creation from a family of Magpies which took up residence in late 1999-2000 just after I purchased the property
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. They stole plenty of bonsai wire left unattended over the years , even the wire in the shed was fair game . There were occasions when they would try to remove it from trunks . The tree in question was removed as it had died due to a mistletoe infestation , the council was notified several months ago and with the lock down it was delayed . Today the dropped the tree and as requested relocated the nest into the tree next door .
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It still in front of the house and the Maggies have checked out the new surrounding minus 1 tree , they actually broke out into a street brawl
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Its a regular occurance between Wally the male I hand feed and his newest baby . I had to step in as he gets mighty rough with the younger ones and several have injured legs .

This is definately a highlight from my bonsai days .

Cheers . Ian
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by MJL »

What a classic story! Thanks for sharing.


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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by Homer911 »

Ha ha, that is pure gold!!

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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by kcpoole »

Awesome story Alpine,
I love Magpies, and have a few around here I feed but they are not too tame that i can hand feed them

Ken
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by alpineart »

Hi Guys , they are beautiful creatures , we have about a dozen that visit every morning for a few kibbles .

The arborists have seen nests with a few bits of wire but never a complete nest made of wire .

When I explained about the Bonsai they were absolutely amazed that the magpies would only use wire . Most of this was old SEC aluminum cable not real Bonsai wire so its twice as hard as the real stuff .

Cheers .
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by KIRKY »

Love Magpies, very industrial birds. We have two couples who regularly nest in the two gums out the back. Annually we have to let the dogs out the front as a baby or two takes over the back yard until their tail feathers come in. Mums and dads sit on the fences with a watchful eye, feeding the noisey little ones. They’re great parents. Thanks for sharing Ian.
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by alpineart »

Hi Kirky , they are a pleasure to watch , except when the fight .
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Even the babies want to get close now
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by KIRKY »

What are you tempting them with Ian? Looks like dog kibble?
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by alpineart »

Hi Kirky , I use Purina Supercoat adult kibble , not the large breed its too big for their throats . It is recommended by WIRES the wildlife rescue service here in Myrtleford .

Bread and mince has no nutritional value for birds , failing that good wholesome earthworms are the next best thing on the menu .

Cheers . Ian
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by melbrackstone »

Lol, that's the exact same kibble my magpies and butcher birds love! The maggies are tame enough to come eat while I'm right next to the plate of food, and there is a butcher bird who will catch the kibble when thrown. They're such characters!

The wire nest though!! You could put your eye out with that thing! What a great story.
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by KIRKY »

Our lot wait when were in the garden, they love watching us do all the work :lol: They know they will get the occasional worm or lawn grub. Thanks Ian, I’ll try them on the Holistic brand we give our pooches.
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Re: Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

Post by PWC »

I found if you give them a free feed they tell all there mates and you end up with 20 odd looking for a free feed. They become quite demanding and make quiet a mess. I don't feed them now and have 3 doing the hard work themselves digging out the lawn grubs.
Peter.
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