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Magpie nest

Magpies visit the nest for the second week already. When  the pair is at the nest, one of them remains on the top branch until the second one is busy in the nest. Magpies have no concerns about the greenfinches and sparrows who are circling around the nest.

 

Base of the magpie nest is thick, while the „ceiling“ has been woven less densely and gives a chance to peek outside. The pair of magpies uses the same nest for the second or third year.

 

A fight broke out with a „gatecrashing“ magpie three weeks ago; there have been no signs of disturbers since then. Magpies are not using the winter birds`feeders and are afraid of the authors`s movements behind the computer desk, however, secretely „steal“ the oatflakes that have been placed for grey partridges behind the balcony door. In the afternoon, when the sun is low on that side, shadow of a magpie can be seen  sneaking across the kitchen.

A hare was at the apple trees tonight

A hare has been in the yard tonight, taking advantage of the thick snow crust, which is able to support its weight. Lower branches of all four apple trees, which were planted last spring have been nibbled at, however, buckthorns and wild cherries were not touched by the hare. Bark from the trunk of „Melba“ (apple sort) has been chewed and an „identity card“ has been left of the snow.

 

Earlier, foxes used to visit these yards; the den of these city foxes is situated two streets further from here – that`s why the trunks of the fruit trees were not covered. Also, cats have become arrogant in recent times and are harassing birds at the feeder. It seems that something has happened to the fox...