Frank Mervyn Littler

“ Although the same nest is not occupied during successive years, the same tree is resorted to season after season. Furthermore, a keen observer has given me as his opinion, that should one of a pair nesting in a tree to which they had become attached be killed between nesting seasons, the survivor brings along another mate to the old nesting tree. In exposed positions it is not often that such a frail nest, as it really is, holds together from one season to another. All Magpies have not built their homes of such prosaic materials as twigs and bark. ”

“ The Magpie is of a somewhat pugnacious disposition, being always quite willing to cross swords with one of its own species or any other bird, or, if tame, does not scruple to try conclusions with a cat or dog. Hawks are its pet aversion, not an opportunity being lost to harass every one that comes near. ”

“ It is no uncommon thing to hear them burst into song in the middle of some bright moonlight night, and after having successfully routed a Hawk is another occasion for a triumphal song. The wing-power of this species is very great; it can dash through space with a marvellous rapidity. Long distances (comparatively speaking) are traversed without a perceptible movement of the outstretched wings. ”

“ There is a certain number of agriculturists who cannot, and will not, see any good in birds, and consider that even the total annihilation of their feathered friends would have no effect on the many "pests" with which they are plagued. ”

“ It must not be imagined that the grubs are lying full length out of their burrows; their heads only are visible just below the surface of the ground, but quite enough for the sharp-eyed Magpie. When not engaged in seeking food, most of its time is passed among the branches of lofty trees. It moves in small flocks of from six to a dozen individuals, although occasionally far larger flocks may be seen. ”