Got to give Credit to the Magpies

The black-billed Magpie is a member of the corvid family, making them kin to crows, ravens and jays.To some they are pests, to others they are a source of affection. They are an intelligent bird, storing food in caches and are able to remember where they store their piles and will watch where other birds store their food then steal it. The only time I really hated them was the time I saw a pair of them take the babies out of a chickadee’s nest and eat them, while the parents attacked the larger birds but to no avail.I have seen them chase a rabbit for fun and nip it in the bottom until the rabbit ran away. I have seen magpies play tag with cats, sneaking up behind the felines then flying out of the way just in time to evade the claws of the frustrated animals.

Because I started watching them build one nest I grew more fascinated. They are monogamous and there are a few pairs in the neighbourhood. I have since discovered another nest that is being built.I was watching them for a while the other day and following them while taking photos.They grew more tolerant of my curiosity and as I continued walking they were soon following me. 

Here are some shots from that day except for the second photo which was taken at another time in different light..