Re-cycled Bonsai Wire

[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

[MJL]

What a classic story! Thanks for sharing.


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[Homer911]

Ha ha, that is pure gold!!

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[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

[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 .

[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.
Cheers
Kirky

[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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[KIRKY]

What are you tempting them with Ian? Looks like dog kibble?
Cheers
Kirky

[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

[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.

[KIRKY]

Our lot wait when were in the garden, they love watching us do all the work 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.
Cheers
Kirky

[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.