Strange parliament

greencreeper · 19-03-2005, 12:10

On my way home on Thursday I heard the distinctive cry of a magpie. My dad brought me up to know one or two bird calls and about birds in general. I've never seen anything like what I saw though - magpies. Dozens of them. On roofs and in trees. All making a racket. Really, really creepy - brought Hitchcock's "The Birds" to mind. On Friday, they were all there again. I did a Google because I didn't think that magpies gathered like, say, crows or rooks. Not a lot on the web but it seems that magpies gather every spring to "discuss" terroritory - a parliament. Anyone witnessed this or knows more about their behaviour?

Escapee · 19-03-2005, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

On my way home on Thursday I heard the distinctive cry of a magpie. My dad brought me up to know one or two bird calls and about birds in general. I've never seen anything like what I saw though - magpies. Dozens of them. On roofs and in trees. All making a racket. Really, really creepy - brought Hitchcock's "The Birds" to mind. On Friday, they were all there again. I did a Google because I didn't think that magpies gathered like, say, crows or rooks. Not a lot on the web but it seems that magpies gather every spring to "discuss" terroritory - a parliament. Anyone witnessed this or knows more about their behaviour?

My dad warned me about birds as well

Strange, I thought they were only seen in two's. However I didn't give it a thought as I remember seeing three of them this week on the road, eating something that had been run-over.

Animals/Birds are more intelligent than we give them credit.

greencreeper · 19-03-2005, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Escapee

Strange, I thought they were only seen in two's

Try two dozen. Must have been nearly 30 of them

danielf · 19-03-2005, 14:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

On my way home on Thursday I heard the distinctive cry of a magpie. My dad brought me up to know one or two bird calls and about birds in general. I've never seen anything like what I saw though - magpies. Dozens of them. On roofs and in trees. All making a racket. Really, really creepy - brought Hitchcock's "The Birds" to mind. On Friday, they were all there again. I did a Google because I didn't think that magpies gathered like, say, crows or rooks. Not a lot on the web but it seems that magpies gather every spring to "discuss" terroritory - a parliament. Anyone witnessed this or knows more about their behaviour?

Yes, I've seen this. About ten of them making an incredible racket. It may have been about this time of year, but I'm not sure. I had the same feeling though, I didn't think they gathered, and actually pointed them out to my girlfriend because I thought it was so odd.

greencreeper · 19-03-2005, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

Yes, I've seen this. About ten of them making an incredible racket. It may have been about this time of year, but I'm not sure. I had the same feeling though, I didn't think they gathered, and actually pointed them out to my girlfriend because I thought it was so odd.

Yeah - you have this feeling that something significant is going on; that they've come together for a purpose. Strange. Nearly twenty-eight years of life, having lived a lifetime and thinking I've seen it all in my time, and then this. Strange.

Richard M · 19-03-2005, 17:57

I saw 4 just now...

greencreeper · 19-03-2005, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard M

I saw 4 just now...

Noisy?

Richard M · 19-03-2005, 18:33

Not particularly, just hopping around and stuff.

allieyoung666 · 19-03-2005, 18:38

I know they are trying to take over the world!!!!!!

greencreeper · 19-03-2005, 18:46

In a sad sort of way it gives me something to look forward to when I leave work

allieyoung666 · 19-03-2005, 18:47

OMG, all I want to do is get home as quick as I can before any relatives collar me!!!!!