It seems John, nephew Mike and I have been conscripted into the ranks of "Beefeaters" this week here at Struan Farm. We've been called up to defend the occupants of "Cluckingham Palace" against marauding magpies, who apparently can attack and kill hens!
John learned this yesterday afternoon from our friend Michelle. And coincidentally, last night a group of eight magpies landed on our lawn on a reconnaissance mission. Fortunately the chooks were safely locked up in their Palace and out of harm's way. I'd been keeping an eye out for hawks, but hadn't thought about magpies, nasty (non-native) birds who are known to attack native birds along with other magpies, little blonde children and lambs.
So today we've dusted off and set the magpie trap. We're taking no chances!
This morning I heard magpies in the QEII bush reserve near the pond and Cottage, they're lurking.
If you don't know about "Beefeaters," you can read more info here. Basically they protect the Queen and her palace, the Tower of London, and the Crown jewels. They wear distinctive red uniforms and high black hats. As much as we like fashion statements we won't go quite that far here at Struan Farm.
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