Magpie nest - with a roof (1 Viewer)

Hi All,

The past few years, I have lived in hope that a bird will nest in the alder tree opposite our home.

The first year, a pair of wood pigeons started building a nest only for a pair of magpi to come along and help themselves to the sticks before the pigeons had a chance. The next year, a pair of magpi tried to build the nest, but were scared away when they were attacked by a carrion crow. The following year, a pair of wood pigeons bulit the nest and sat on it for a few weeks late in summer - but nothing came of it. Last year, I didn't notice much progress.

This year, a pair of magpie started adding to the nest in March. Not only did they increase the height of the nest, they also built an extra layer above the original nest (see attachd photo). Initially I wasn't sure which clump of wood they would nest on. Now it appears that the lower clump is the nest and the upper one is practically a roof.

Wonder if this is a common nest building technique amongst magpi / other birds? And if so, is it to stop prying eyes (privacy) and/or to provide shade (the nest is west facing and will get a lot of sun in the evenings).

Thanks a ton.

Jaysan.

I guess it would be good protection being covered over like that from birds of prey

Magpies normally build roofed nests, it's completely typical :t:

And yes, it is to keep off nest predators like crows.

Yes, totally normal for a Magpie.



A

Thanks everyone. Today seems to be the big day. They are bringing food back

Regards,
Jaysan

Magpies are so clever - I just love them!

The pair of magpies close to me not only built a nest with a roof (attached in this case) but also with a doorway in the side.