One for sorrow, Two for joy!

[James G]

Magpies are one of the most common corvids around here. Every now and then I get a fancy to try shooting them (photographically speaking that is )
I've never been very happy with the results, they have an absolute knack for putting themselves in the shade, turning away at the critical moment etc. I have a suspicion that pointing a long lens at them reminds them of other long pointy things and gives them the heeby-jeebies.

So, here we go again...

#1 Sorrow


#2 Joy


#3 and isn't that blue just gorgeous!



C&C welcome

[Shadowman]

At least they cooperated in these captures, nicely done.

[Chrisclick]

Nice shots, James. I think you are lucky to have magpies with blue plumage! Around here, we only get plain old B&W ones.

Like your magpies, they are very common, although tend to be larger and perhaps, more photogenic. In fact, I'm certain that they don't mind posing for a camera! I have some shots taken a couple of years ago, where it certainly looks that way!

Keep shootin'.

[Rebel]

Nice captures, I haven't seen a magpie for awhile!

[James G]

I think you are lucky to have magpies with blue plumage

Hi Chris, they usually look completely black, but when the sun shines (as it did today for all of 5 mins !) at the right angle, that beautiful blue sheen develops as a reflection off the wings and tail feathers...

Matt.... They seem to be more common than collared doves around here!

[Dave A]

Nice images, well done.

Dave

[FootLoose]

Nice images, James. Our magpies are less timid. If you encounter one of them on the footpath, they expect you to walk around them.

[JBW]

Truly beautiful colour in 3.

[ST1]

They do have very colourful plumage which you've captured well. The only suggestion I have is that it would be better if they were on natural perches rather than buildings, say he who's last images of Magpies (thugs of the bird world, oops sorry I merged into rant mode) was of them sitting on a TV aerial

[James G]

they expect you to walk around them.

Greg, ours have very little fear of humans but if they start imitating their 'stralian' cousins I'm buying steel toed boots!

Peter, I was being lazy .... as I said, it was pretty dire weatherwise and there was a brief outbreak of sunshine. I saw them foraging in the gutters over the garage so......

[IzzieK]

My favourite Aussie football team -- the Magpies! Ooooppps, they are not birds! I have not seen such colourful magpie. Now I think I like I will root for the Crows better...ask Griddi...

All good shots, James...

[Wavelength]

very nice set of images...

[bnnrcn]

Very nice images