Sing a song of sixpence...

No blackbirds - or black and white birds in any pies here, thankfully!

Yesterday, I heard one of the three magpie youngsters trying out their voice and honing their skills.
I crept up to the back window and hoped they wouldn't notice me while I tried to video them. Luckily, no. Singing merrily and being slightly distracted by the odd bug, this willing warbler continued to merrily practice.
And, even though it will be a while before their song is as well developed and melodious as their parents, it is sweet nonetheless.

At this age, it is difficult to tell the gender of magpies, so I can't yet refer to them as she or he. In adult females, the 'hood' on the back of the neck tends to be more mottled/greyish-white than the very white of the males. 

The adult Australian magpie has one of the most complex and beautiful songs. Not only do they serve to defend territories, the calls maintain social structure and group (family) recognition. They can identify and locate each other throughout the neighbourhood.
Often, when I watch a youngster sing, I'll hear its parent call out in the distance. They will stop, listen, reply and before long, mum or dad appears.
The youngsters will continue to develop and add to "their" song until they leave their parents' (or natal) territory around seven months later.

To hear magpies carolling in the early dawn is heartwarming and a lovely way to start the day.

And so, here is our little Aussie warbler...

Visitors in the lull

My last market stall for the year is this weekend. In between unloading the kiln, packing my huge trusty market basket, packaging, pinning and preparing, I went out to say hello to some regular visitors.

They are always a cheery sight and make me smile with delight when they gather 'round.

We usually have many more. But, it's chilly here today and I think the rest of the clan are out foraging in the forest. I can hear them in the distance, singing and chirping away as the Kookaburras laugh alongside them.

So, I thought I'd take a few snaps and introduce you to the feathered few...

This little pair of Rainbow Lorikeets are the smallest, yet they chatter loudly and are incredibly bossy. Wearing their beautiful plumage with confidence and alacrity, they are endearing little clowns.

When we moved here, beautiful King Parrots were the first to welcome us with their friendly dispositions and sweet, gentle natures. I have a very soft spot for them.

Here, waiting in the wings (sorry, bad pun I know), is a wee Crimson Rosella. They will trill and call from the trees throughout the day, as shots of brilliant red and purple-blue blur past my studio window.

A ghostly apparition in the rafters - a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo. They are big, handsome, intelligent and very mischievous. And, did I say LOUD! We try not to encourage them in numbers as they can be very destructive too. But, oh, they are lovely to look at.

And introducing, Mrs Maggie.

Since we have known her, she has raised two generations. Last year, she had two babies to nurture and fuss over. And this year, she has three ever demanding youngsters to feed and show the ways of the magpie world.

Her most dependent fledgling. The other two are off with Dad somewhere in the neighbourhood - never too far away though.

When they grow older, and learn their songs, they will regale us with their wonderfully distinctive chorus. And, when the whole family gather for a session, it really is most impressive!

And so, it's time to say cheerio to my feathered friends and head back to the studio. There is still much to do - and, I've run out of ribbon for the ornaments!!

Bye for now ♥