Magpie

The magpie is a black-and-white bird with a very long tail. It is a member of the crow family. When the wings are folded, the magpie has a white breast and a white patch in each side. Magpies live on insects, grubs, berries and carrion, with occasional frogs and snails. They have also been known to kill small pets such as baby guinea pigs. Magpies supplement their diet in the breeding season by raiding nests of smaller birds and eating the eggs and baby chicks. Their numbers have increased by 112% over the last 30 years and they are now the 13th most commonly seen bird in British gardens. Whilst most bird protecton organisations stuggle to explain why songbirds are declining so rapidly in Britain, many enlightened observers believe magpies and carrion crows are a significant part of the problem. Control is best in the spring using Larsen Traps.

Your Questions Answered

Q.
are magpies endangered animals

No, magpies are not endangered. They are a very common bird and are increasing in numbers and putting presure on garden and farmland birds. It is entirely legal to control magpies where they are causing a problem.

Q.
how do i stop them pecking at my lawn

If it is magpies or crows that are your problem, they are almost certainly looking for wire-worms and there is not much you can do to dissuade them. They will stop when they have found and eaten all the worms and your lawn will soon recover. It won't take many days for them to go.

Q.
theres a baby magpie in my hedge, the parents constantly attack any visitors,my windows and my cat,ive put up carrier bags to blow about and that worked for a while, but no more, so any advise would be welcome,

Magpies only tend to be overtly aggressive when they have young and it will last while the babies are in the nest. Scaring them away is the best option if they are really being a nuisance. The carrier bags worked for a while you say. You might like to try hanging aluminium foil trays off sticks above the hedge or CDs which catch the sun. Another option is a visual deterrent such as a decoy bird of prey which may keep them at bay. Magpies are not a protected species as such but it is an offence to deliberately injure or kill them or to disturb an active nest so scare tactics are the best option until the nest is empty

Q.
A group of 8 frequent the area where I live,the have pecked and destroyed my gazebo cover(£150 worth of damage) ! want to discourage them,and not the other birds who visit and nest in our garden Your help appreciated Robin Myles 01213110974 72 Whitehouse Crescent Sutton Coldfield B75 6ES

Hi Robin

is your gazebo a permanent structure? Bird spikes are used to prevent birds landing, but may not be possible to fit on a gazebo as they are either clipped in position or bonded with silicone. There are visual scaring products, these come either in the form of an owl or hawk. The cheapest product is a balloon with eyes painted on. Perhaps this or anything that moves in the breeze would act as a deterrent.

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