I feel like the magpie is such a common sight in the American West that it is often under appreciated. It is truly a beautiful bird. Its iridescent colors, long tail, striking patterns, and underestimated intelligence all add up to an amazing creature. I know that it is disliked by many farmers. Whatever your gut reaction is, no one after an objective observation could possible say they are unremarkable.

One time I watched a small group of magpies execute a coordinated hunt for a live chipmunk. That is pretty sophisticated behavior for birds. They corralled a small chipmunk into a bush and then teamed up again to flush it out into one of their reach. It snatched the chipmunk and held it in its beak for a bit before it was able to wriggle free and escape. I wonder if anyone else has ever witnessed something similar. If they have, I’ve never heard about it.

11 × 14 - Acrylic and charcoal on cradled panel (1.5” deep) - Ready to hang as-is or frame

Original painting, signed

Price includes shipping within the US!