A Magpie can appear deadly dull – just black and
white, a little larger than a Robin, with either a black
or yellow beak, spindly legs, thick at the top and sturdy
but splayed bony feet—also, the light – if the day is dull,
the bird will appear likewise. However, should the bird
be seen in sunlight – its black bits will appear phosphorescent
– almost the way oil on water looks.
They’re really quite handsome, have been referred to
as tuxedoed. Their calls are raucous, hoarse, cawing-like
and also like crows, jays and ravens, other members
of the corvid group, they are tricksters. Seen in a flock,
they’re also referred to as a tiding.
*From E. Bachinsky’s poem Wild Grass from the book Home of Sudden Service.
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