Magpies are usually my first nest-building subjects in springtime and this year they didn’t disappoint.
- The setting for these shots is pretty ugly so don’t expect to see pretty pictures. My purpose today is simply to document the behavior.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This time of year paired magpies have already begun building nests or refurbishing older nests and four days ago on Antelope Island I found this one carrying nesting material to a nest that had been used in previous years. (S)he landed here close to the nest before taking off and plunging into the jumble of branches and twigs on the right that enclosed and protected the nest.
On the island magpies seem to prefer to build their nests in greasewood, probably because there are few tall trees available and with the nest so close to the ground the spikey branches and twigs of greasewood provide extra protection from predators. Before the leaves come out greasewood is particularly unattractive for photography but if it serves the purpose of magpies that’s all that really matters.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
When the magpie began to take off for the nearby nest the nesting material in his bill almost disappeared against the similar background but if you look closely it’s there.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Push-off. Here the nesting material in his bill is more easily seen.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
In the next shot I caught him with his wings down and the light angle on his tail and wings revealed more of that delicious and elusive iridescence.
I’m actually a little late documenting their nesting behavior this year. In this area Black-billed Magpies actually begin building nests on warm days in January and February but lately I haven’t been to the island often so I’ve missed the earlier stages. Research shows that nest construction takes them about 43 days so the window for documenting the behavior is a relatively long one.
When the leaves come out the setting near the nests on the island will be much more attractive but by then the nests will be complete, incubation will have begun and the magpies will be much more difficult to photograph.
Ron
Ron, I really find Magpies to be such an interesting bird. The other day a Buck, along with his harem, was taking a nap in our back yard. There was a Magpie that liked to sit on the deer and eat something on it’s back. I got a photo but it did not come out well. But it was entertaining, to say the least.
The iridescence of the feathers is quite beautiful. Thank you for a great series, Ron.
Alice, magpies on the island often perch on the backs of bison and pick insects out their fur.
Fantastic series Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
I have always thought magpies were impressive in their stark black and white apparel. I didn’t know they were also iridescent until I found your blog. It is also one of my favorite nature combinations. The pictures are very informative and I find them very appealing.
Betty, I never thought of them as being iridescent either until I started to photograph them years ago. Thanks.
I LOVE these elegant tricksters!!! My favorite image is the one I think you have framed over your fireplace…these are great!!!
That’s still my favorite magpie photo too, Patty – but a few others are close.
Personally, I like the leafless greasewood BETTER as a background– it really “haloes” the magpie, whose flashy contrast and iridescence provide, for me, at least, all the
visual stimulation that a photo image needs—I really enjoyed these !
Just a matter of taste I guess. Personally, I’ll like these settings much better when the leaves come out. Thanks, Kris.
Nice shots, Ron… 🙂 Magpies are busy here at the same task. Haven’t decided if they’re rebuilding the nest outside the bathroom window or raiding it for materials – hopefully it’s the latter……;) Think the GHO’s may have taken over one in the spruce they used last year. Also working very hard currently to raid the hanging suet feeders for the downy and hairy woodpeckers. Interesting how some have learned to land on top while others struggle trying to hang from the bottom of the one swinging. Not my favorite bird for sure, BUT! 😉
“Haven’t decided if they’re rebuilding the nest outside the bathroom window or raiding it for materials”
I’ve had the same problem, Judy – sometimes it’s hard to tell. I swear that occasionally they start doing one thing and then switch.
Delightful, Ron! I always enjoy your Magpie photos. In my mind, they really capture the flavor of the wild west.
I think they do too, Diane.
Great photos in spite of the greasewood. Did not know it was called that, sure does not help as a background. Love Magpies and wish we had them here. Read Arwen’s post where she mentions seeing them in Taos. That is the only place I have ever seen a Magpie. Thanks for sharing Ron.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Thanks, Everett.
Been waiting for this one for a while Ron, and the photos did not disappoint! The wing position in the first shot is amazing! Magpies are definitely high on my list of birds to photograph! Can’t wait to see what else the changing seasons will bring, both in my area and yours!
I’m glad it was worth the wait, Xavier. Thanks.
Oh goody, Ron – Magpies!! Just love all four captures & with my 23″ monitor I could see the nest material being added to the nest!! My favorite is your last photo. The color of the tail’s iridescence is stunning – most women would LOVE to own a piece of clothing in that color!!! LOL!! The greasewood may not be pretty but the behavior is the important thing to see. Great post!!
I agree about the behavior, Jo Ann. Thanks.
Greasewood is a rather unattractive name! 😀 I was pleased to see magpies up in Taos over the weekend. I haven’t seen them here in Rio Rancho though. Do they weave the sticks in or shove them in?
I’ve always liked that name because it makes me think of many references to the old west and I’m a fan of western history.
They carry them into the interior of the greasewood (it’s a real struggle to get them in there because of all the branches) and then they incorporate them into their complex, domed nest.
I’ll have to learn more about the greasewood then. 😀 A friend’s dad wrote westerns back in the day. Chet Cunningham. 😀 I was more of a Little House on the Prairie kid.
For me the only redeeming feature of Little House on the Prairie (TV) was Michael Landon. I always liked him because of his Bonanza days and because we both threw the javelin in high school and college. 🙂
Oh that’s cool! I loved Hoss. 😀 LHOP was definitely made for girls though. 😀
I think the patterns and subtle variation of the greasewood is beautiful and it does make a nice backdrop for the magpie.
A friend on FB said something similar, Mary. A matter of taste I guess…
Great photos. That iridescence is wonderful! They are quite an attractive bird with the very smooth feathers in black and white; they look to perhaps be the same or nearly the same size as our common grackle. It too can be attractive when the iridescence shines. The greasewood while unattractive does provide a good contrasting background. It is a plant I am unfamiliar with so I had to look it up…looks totally different when green. How wise of birds to use spikes materials for more protection…similar to those that build nests in hawthorns with the spikes…certainly would deter one from zooming in for the kill!
Thanks, Kathy. They’re actually significantly larger than Common Grackles (6 oz vs 4 oz).
It’s ironic – greasewood goes from unusually unattractive to some of the most attractive foliage on the island when its leaves come out.