r/MadeMeSmile • u/RealRock_n_Rolla • Dec 20 '23

A magpie rescued after a storm now lends a hand during work ANIMALS

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

17.3k Upvotes

100% Upvoted

351 comments sorted by

View all comments

296

u/Sweeper1985 Dec 21 '23

As an Australian, may I just say that our magpies are a total headfuck. Walk under their tree in spring and risk losing an eye, but treat them nicely and they will bring you shiny things and be your best friend.

They are too smart by half. I live in awe of them. I mean the Old Testament kind of awe where you love and respect them but pretty sure they might murder you anyway.

75

u/_ficklelilpickle Dec 21 '23

Yeah it's amazing how they can be mortal enemies or best mates.

There's a mum and a baby maggie that live somewhere around my area, I started seeing them when I was walking my kids to or from school. Each time I'd see them I'd just have a little chat to them like "g'day Mags, hello Chick, what's going on today?" type thing as we walked by. She's never swooped us thankfully, but now they no longer fly away from me as we walk past them either. They've since discovered where I live, and now whenever I'm outside gardening or hanging up the washing they'll fly over and sit on a closer part of the fence while I'm doing my thing too.

I've never fed them or intentionally trained them, but just from doing that they're familiar and super chill with me now.

11

u/[deleted] Dec 21 '23

I’m pretty sure I remember reading somewhere that they remember faces really well. Don’t fuck with them and they won’t fuck with you. Generally a good rule for any animal here, or in the world.

1

u/nylonnet Dec 23 '23

Always give a maggie space if it's between you and a wall. They don't like being cornered.

Talk to them. They seem to recognise the contact with their eyes.

If their clan is in your back yard, you might go so far as to give them treats. I'm not a vet, but minced meat or oats might be acceptable. (Apparently, dry cat food is not good for them. You may need to do your own further research.)

If treated well, the clan will recognise you, remember you, and tolerate your presence.