Re: Poor magpie and a few others from today.

I have a gang of 9 magpies that flit in and out the garden all day .I noticed one this morning with it's tail feathers damaged- they're obviously important for flight/balance etc, can anyone tell me if they recover?

A few from the local lake today

Ever get the feeling you're being followed?

Ducklings doing well and more confidant!

Best wishes - Jayne

Lovely photos Jayne i think the Magpie will be ok i think the feathers grow back, i've got a Blackbird without a tail at the minute and it doesn't seem to bother it..

I hope you keep an eye on the Swans at this time of year walking close to you the males can get a bit nasty if protecting his mate.

Your Magpie will regrow its tail feathers though it may take some time. I am not sure if Magpies replace all the tail feathers each year or not - some birds do, some not. The tail and flight feathers are replaced in a definite pattern according to the species and those covering the body on a much more frequent basis. Some birds like Mallards and the auks for instance will lose all the flight feathers at once leaving them flightless for a few weeks till they regrow. Others like most birds of prey, lose them a pair at a time so that they are always able to fly. that is why you often see pictures of Buzzards and Kites with gaps in their wings or tails.

Jenni

Hi - thanks for the interesting info Jenni. I am fond of the magpies, real characters. This particular group hang around the area most of the time.I've been feeding them for several years- they've taken to peering in to the bedroom window if I'm late putting food out, frightened the life out of me when they did it first!! I'm sure it's not a coincidence-very clever birds.

Alan- thanks I will be careful- I was unaware they were behind me at first. I took the picture a way off so I could leg it if need be! I saw the post from a few weeks ago re:swan attacks on animals/people- makes you realise how much you need to respect wildlife, can't blame them for attacking!

Best wishes - Jayne

Lovely set of photos Jayne. I especially like the swan running across the water. It's a belter of a photo.

We were mobbed by a large group of swans by a lake the other week for doing nothing other than eating our lunch on a bench to which our dogs were tied (and asleep!) It was quite frightening and we had to move. They are bigger than you think. LOL.

Lovely pictures Jayne, I especially love the path down by the stream alongside the bluebells and woodland, so peaceful.

hi jayne, what lake is this? is it near truro?

Poor old magpie - looks a bit bedraggled but I am sure he will cope all right.  It must be the time of year for birds to get their tails pulled out, as like doggie, I also have a blackbird in my garden that is minus its tail.  Bet it must hurt when it comes out - ouch!

Lovely to see all the ducklings and the picture of the stream and the bluebells is gorgeous.  Don't you just love this time of year!

Hi - thanks for the lovely comments Gaynor,  Christine and Linda -Glad you saved your sandwiches Linda!

Flightybunny- the lake is at Tehidy (Nr. Redruth), I expect you know it. One of my favourite places and not too far from Truro. Robins and tits feed from the hand there and I've managed to get some lovely sightings and pics of Jays. How's your RSPB volunteering going?

Best wishes - Jayne

Hi Jayne, what a lovely set of photos, I love the Mallard ducklings, they're so sweet.

And it's a great photo of the Swan going across the water, thanks for sharing x