Simon Wates
Well-known member
In the nearly 20 years I have lived in the Algarve I have seen (Iberian) Azure-winged Magpies change from being a terribly nervous species to becomng a more confiding garden bird in suburban areas. In around 1995 they seemed to be only just starting to take advantage of humanised areas, like touristic develpoments and golf courses. Nowadays they have become fully adapted to this pseudo environment and can be seen almost everywhere. Formerly they were easier to find in more natural habitats (woodlands and scrublands) inland but now they are an abundant bird throughout the Algarve's touristic coastline.
I suppose its taken them time to adapt to the relatively recent proliferation of landscaped gardens with lawns and golf courses (post 1960's).
Anyway, the reason for this post is that today, I decided to throw some raisins down on the gravel drive for them and the Blackbirds etc. An hour later they were there - 10 or so birds. While I was watching them I noticed that one particular individual was collecting raisins and burying them a little further down the drive by picking up stones and covering them.
Thought it was worth a mention, as though obviously other crows and jays do this I'm not sure its been noted in this often very wary and difficult to get close to species.
I suppose its taken them time to adapt to the relatively recent proliferation of landscaped gardens with lawns and golf courses (post 1960's).
Anyway, the reason for this post is that today, I decided to throw some raisins down on the gravel drive for them and the Blackbirds etc. An hour later they were there - 10 or so birds. While I was watching them I noticed that one particular individual was collecting raisins and burying them a little further down the drive by picking up stones and covering them.
Thought it was worth a mention, as though obviously other crows and jays do this I'm not sure its been noted in this often very wary and difficult to get close to species.
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