Deako Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 Doing the rounds this morning, I sat for a while and watched a magpie quite purposely burying several acorns and covering them with leaves. I've not seen them do this before and wonder if it is a common thing or perhaps another sign that a cold winter may be ahead of us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjimmer Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 The natural reproduction of Oak tres is supposed to rely on Jays burying acorns. Perhaps magpies perform a similar service! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 I have never allowed an in range magpie to play with his nuts. I was told by a wise old man, that it is a very strong instinct, that makes most creatures hoard and has very little relationship to actual circumstances. Apparently, most creatures forget where they have stored things anyway. This is a situation I can sympathise with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 Its called Old Age Cranfield!!! Magpies as will Jays bury surplus when food is plentiful rather than scarce it seems. Foxes do the same with eggs and then never remember where they are. magpies are quite fond of acorns but unlike jays which have a higher dependancy on burried food the magpies memory is not so good. rjimmer is right the ancient oak woodlands of England have been propagated by Jays some historians say if it wasnt for the humble jay the medievel english fleet could never have been built perhaps we might now all be speaking spanish or portugese or god forbid... French!!! Viva la Magpie.! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesspencer_2001 Posted November 10, 2004 Report Share Posted November 10, 2004 The magpies have told me its gonna be bloody cold this year and there stocking up on there carbs. Spenner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurcherboy Posted November 11, 2004 Report Share Posted November 11, 2004 They go back for them or at least they go back and look for them. Quite amusing watching them search and great fun if you have your kids with you in the hide. LB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
napier Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 next time take your gun and shoot him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.