A Magpie Flies Free

While walking my dog one morning I took a different path by the grey mangroves. Normally I avoid this track as it’s overgrown and snakes are active during the summer months.

But there was a pull, a whisper that said, go this way! Moreover, my dog pointedly looked in that direction so off we went.

‘Snakes, we’re coming, please stay off the path and out of our way,’ I announced. You might think it slightly weird to talk to snakes, but I prefer that to accidentally stepping on them.

It was a lovely walk along the Georges River. The canopy of trees provided plenty of shade, while the river flowed to the accompaniment of sweet muted trills from rainbow lorikeets and ear-splitting cries from sulphur-crested cockatoos.

We soon reached the place where the river branched two ways, a serene spot where you could sit on the rocks and watch fish jumping out of the water. On this particular day, however the shrieks of an Australian magpie were shattering that peace.

Mille’s ears pricked up. Every muscle and sinew tensed as she gazed intensely at a juvenile magpie whose claws were tangled in a fishing line caught in the mangrove roots.

Throwing Millie’s leash around a slender shrub, I told that obedient creature to stay! and cautiously approached the trapped bird. It lay on its back, wings flapping helplessly.

Meanwhile, a mischief of magpies gathered in the gum trees above, shouting unsolicited advice. There wasn't another soul in sight.

My dear friend and mentor Suzy Godsey is a very talented animal communicator so I asked myself, what would Suzy do?

From that question, I gained the courage to unentangle the fishing line from the magpie’s claws while avoiding its beak. At one point it managed to nip my fingers, but no damage was done.

I was sweating by the time the bird was finally free. It flew away to join its noisy friends and after spending a moment gathering my wits, Millie and I walked home.

What did this accomplish? you might wonder. To this day I’m not entirely sure. Magpies are plentiful in Sydney. In fact, during nesting season they are considered a hazard due to their tendency to swoop on unsuspecting cyclists.

Here’s what I know. This particular bird might have died without my intervention. Not many hikers or dog walkers take this riverside path on weekdays. There was a call for help, my dog and I heard it and we responded. Surely, that’s enough?

Photo courtesy of Sandid | Pixabay