Of Magpie and Moose
Norway Rats are one of the most destructive creatures known to man. Fortunately, the Province of Alberta is one of the few place in the world that does NOT have any rats. What it does have are Magpies (Pica hudsonia), which some people refer to as Rats with Wings. A member of the crow family, they are scavengers that will eat just about anything. But much can be forgiven of them because they do not come close to being as despicable as a Rat, no matter what the movie Ratatouille might have you think.
Magpies are both beautiful and comical birds with their black and white tuxedo like coat and long iridescent tails. But their raucous voice and irritating habit of harassing me when I walk in the woods – they make me less than thrilled to have them live nearby.
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They don’t migrate either. All winter long they leave their little forked foot prints all over the snow – reminders that they are still in town, and will be arriving any moment to scold me for being present in their world.
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This past winter a new set of tracks appeared on the edge of our woods – Moose. These tracks were made by several moose, likely traveling together.
Exciting, but moose can be very dangerous during certain times of the year. One of them has already challenged a car on the road out front, I hear.
I’m not too concerned about my personal safely, however. I have an early warning system – the chatty Magpies. I’m not the only creature they harass! Owls, deer, coyotes, crows, fox, skunks – nothing slinks through these woods without being vocally assaulted by the magpies. All I have to do is listen carefully and I’ll know in advance if there is something I should be aware of.
Just how big is a moose? This is a close up shot of one of the tracks in the snow. The two little holes on the right side of the track are left by the animals dew claws which are two small extra toes that are situated a bit higher up the back of the leg. This track would be about 5 inches long.
The moose in the photo below is standing next to a fence that is 4 feet tall (and I am just over 5 feet tall) so you can understand why I would not want to be near a moose if it was having a bad day! I feel much safer with my trusty Magpies on full alert!
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More Moose Stories: Moose on Parade
I loved this post! Great story, great photos. Start with Magpies, add Moose, bring Magpies back and tie it all together. Well done! All joy in writing. HF
Thanks Harper – Margie, Magpie and Moose – how can I miss when I write ‘M’ stories!
Enjoyable post! : )
Thanks Ramblin’ – glad you enjoyed visiting the moose and magpies.
It was enjoyable and I look forward to visiting again. : )
Come back anytime!
what lovely photos to accompany your story … especially love the magpie tracks in the snow … beautifully captured!
The bird tracks really are very nice, aren’t they! Even in deep snow, the birds just walk along the top and leave fairly distinct tracks
Hi,
Great photos, I especially like the tracks in the snow, it is just amazing how deep the tracks are. The moose look a little scary I must say, I wouldn’t like to be confronted by one.
I love to see the moose, but I sure don’t want to be too close.
Enjoy the story about Moose. Beautiful picture of the Magpies!
Moose and magpies – what’s not to like!
It’s a blessing that you all don’t have rats. And it sounds a mixed blessing that you all Magpies. They’re a pretty bird and sound be quite nosy and curious. It’s a great thing to have a natural alarm of Magpies living in your area to warn of approaching critters, that Moose is huge. It’s always interesting to me to learn about the wildlife in different regions.
I can see why so many people are birdwatchers – you don’t even have to live in the country to see them, and each species has an interesting story to tell.
Your photos are always beautiful. And I like that you found the good in magpies in spite of their annoying behavior.
Every creature has a purpose. Not all of them have purposes I enjoy though, like mosquitoes – I could do without them!
Great post, Margie! We don’t have magpies here, but your post brought back memories of staying with friends in England. They warned us about the magpies, who attacked our bedroom window every morning at first light. I was alarmed the first morning it happened but amused thereafter. Annoying but comical. Moose, no thanks, we have enough deer here to wreak garden destruction!
We seem to have less deer since the moose moved into the neighbourhood!
Until 5 years ago I had never seen a “moose on the loose.” I was driving home on the Maine Turnpike at dusk and saw something on the side of the road ~ “That’s the biggest deer I’ve ever seen.” Alas, it was a mangy moose running from the woods along the turnpike to escape something they fear as much as we do ~ the mischievous mosquito!! There’s another M story for you…
How right you are – so many M words. I’ll be sure to write a mosquito story once they start to bite.
Wow, one can even see evidence of the ridges on the bird tracks – pretty amazing. The magpies are pretty despite their reputations and voice. Do you ever happen a magpie’s nest and/or collection?
Magpies build great domed nests that can be several feet wide and high. They use many sticks to build or repair a nest, so we watch for this activity. If they try to build a nest too close to our house, then we knock it down during the building stage, which forces them to relocate. Their voices grate on your nerves, so the further away that they nest the better. A whole family of them just outside our bedroom window would be unpleasant to say the least!
I’ll bet those magpies are just glad to see you… : )
If a moose challenges the Car Guy, be sure to post full details!
Yes, that would be a good story!
I’m with you about the moose. As for magpies, I don’t care for them. They are loud and annoying early in the morning and chase away the other birds.
Yes, magpies are loud and annoying. When they team up with the crows, no one sleeps in!