Corvids have been very much centre stage recently, and as with many things views are polarised when life is rarely black and white. We have resident magpies who nest in the hawthorn at the bottom of the garden each year, and also have a few resident crows out in the fields. I fully understand what they're capable of, but I also regard them with respect. The magpies can prove a problem in spring and summer as they've learned where the hens lay, in multiple coops, and will frequently steal the eggs. I've also watched with interest as they teach their offspring to do this too. Thus we have an ever present issue with this each year, however as with other predators I have to admire their intelligence and audacity. I have found a fairly simple way of stopping it and it's not a gun or elaborate trap. Very simply I move my bottom outside at regular intervals and collect the eggs. Certainly it can be a bit of a nuisance at times, but that's all it is. I try to make sure ...
Animals, nature and a handmade life ❤