Friday, January 16, 2009

Black-billed Magpie

Here is a Black-billed Magpie I spied through our kitchen window yesterday afternoon.
This is the first time I've seen one eat crab-apples, but I guess when you're hungry..?
The sun was peeking through the trees, causing that strange backlit effect of the background :

12 comments:

John Theberge said...

Wow, it's almost like a bird you'd see in the tropics. I didn't think these birds hung out in a cold climate, we sure don't have them around here.

Nick S said...

They are quite common here John, even more so in the winter when they are actively seeking food.
They are quite skittish though and rarely pose for a photo.

Suzanne said...

His colors look like velvet and he has such clean lines, very elegant. I visited my father in Anchorage once and that was my first and only time to see magpies. Great picture, Nick!

Shelley said...

Such a sleek and beautiful looking bird you've captured!

Nick S said...

Thanks guys. I took about 5 shots of this bird, and liked that pose the best. Of course having the apple in its beak helped my choice too !

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

That is beautiful.
Ruth

NCmountainwoman said...

How lovely. I've never seen one in the wild. Great shot!

The Birdlady said...

As you so often do, you've made a perfect picture.

Nick S said...

Thanks so much guys. I hope to get some better shots of this species without a pane of glass in the way next time :-)

Unknown said...

Beautiful image Nick

Peggy said...

Gorgeous picture! Love that background!

2sweetnsaxy said...

What a great looking bird. Quite striking though I'm not sure why. Beautiful shot.