Baby Blues.

Hi Lena, I loved the video,,,momma sure ain't gonna sneak up on these little guys . I am a biology student(one semester remaining) but I must be honest, I have not studied birds and their behaviors much. I'm more of an invertebrate person, anyway you hit the nail on the head by "leaving nature alone" but I'm the same way as you at times. You might try a "scare tactic" and see if that works. Here in middle Tennessee there are a lot of woodpeckers around and they are sometimes run off by something as simple as a balloon or windchimes hanging in the tree their pecking on,,,anything to make some movement or noise around the tree. I've even heard of folks setting up a watering sprinkler with a timer so the sprinkle will come on for a few minutes several times a day. I think these magpies, like the woodpeckers, are very territorial so something like this might work to keep them away until the tits are big enough to take flight. Good luck.

Scott

Great little video, Old Doll.  I have some trees in my yard which house some starving little birds like that.  I hear them every time mama comes around.  I have to laugh each time.

Dog food for magpies.  Only Old Doll would think of it.  More power to you for coming up with a clever solution. 

- Zurf

I'm sorry. I know this may sound wrong but I just can't get over a sentence Lena typed in her opening post. It struck a mental image and I can't get it outta my mind. And I quote,

"I have some blue tits nesting in my garden".

Dad-gum, am I beginning to be a dirty old man?

Nela

My wife, "Grammy" set out four bird feeders along our fence. She fills them with black sunflower seeds. We have red cardinals, blue jays, morning doves and of course the inevitable mocking birds aplenty. Problem is we have squirrels aplenty as well and they sit down in the feeders and eat until they're empty.
Grammy is a country girl and a dead shot. She always has a Daisy BB rifle loaded and ready by her favorite chair in our garage (rumpus room).
If a squirrel lingers too long at the feeder she puts one round into the wooden fence close by it's ear.
If that doesn't scare it off she can easily pop him in the booty. At that range a BB hit in the stern is not painful enough to keep them from coming right back.
It gives Grammy something to do besides mess with me.
toots

Nela, you're not far off base.  I went looking for seeds to plant in my garden, but noooooo.  They don't exist. So, I planted some willows instead.
Zurf, I love Keb Mo.

Zurf,  I loved that guy Keb" Mo, Thanks for that !

Its atrocious weather here today.. I had all sorts  of plans to be outdoors, { Big groans }
I'm indulging myself here with Natalie Merchant music. She gives me goose bumps to listen to..

Papaguitar, there's still not a sign of magpies out back.. Ive taken the bird box down to have a look at the nest inside.
Its wonderful.. Feathers, dog hair, loads of moss [ stolen from my baskets no doubt :lo: So comfy looking and about 6 inches in depth. I'm hoping the wee babies are surviving now that the weathers changed.  I found a baby sparrow with its head gone
today. not a pretty sight, im thinking Cats perhaps ?.

Squirrels ! Yankee Flipper is the answer .. Toots ! A BB gun, Mother of god i'd never use one. Do you realize how funny that image is you painted of Grammy.. Laughed me head off i did at the thought. Toots show Grammy this video, she would have more fun watching this in your garden sir.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7TEjD6Lhd8

Now some may find this funny but i don't.. The poor wee animal was hurtled through the air. Maybe toots dont show grammy this one sir.:lol:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Ya6z-NlDo

Ok, Back to my wonderful" Natalie Merchant.  and the song "Mother land"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2JbLUVt0Z0

Enjoy, have a dry day wherever you are.
From the Emerald isle.
Old Doll.