I am not a very sophisticated bird-watcher but today I saw something that I'd like someone to explain if possible.
I was bothered during the day by a large crowd of magpies (25 or more) making a real ruckus in my back alley. I came outside to see this large group sitting on a transmission pole and lines in the alley, all of them sqawking as loudly as they could. It was a really intense noise. About half an hour later they were still there and the noise was ridiculous so I went outside and walked to the alley. All of the magpies took off into neighboring trees but I found a dead magpie lying in the alley near my trash cans. it didn't appear to be visibily injured - i.e. shot or electrocuted - but was definitely dead. I picked it up with a stick and it was definitely stiff and frozen from the night before.
My question is this: is it possible that magpies mourn a dead comrade? This flock of 25 or more hung around this spot for several hours before I finally shooed them away. I removed the dead bird to a bag and put it inside one of the trash cans. Do magpies mourn? Is there any other explanation for this incident? Thanks to whoever can enlighten me.
I was bothered during the day by a large crowd of magpies (25 or more) making a real ruckus in my back alley. I came outside to see this large group sitting on a transmission pole and lines in the alley, all of them sqawking as loudly as they could. It was a really intense noise. About half an hour later they were still there and the noise was ridiculous so I went outside and walked to the alley. All of the magpies took off into neighboring trees but I found a dead magpie lying in the alley near my trash cans. it didn't appear to be visibily injured - i.e. shot or electrocuted - but was definitely dead. I picked it up with a stick and it was definitely stiff and frozen from the night before.
My question is this: is it possible that magpies mourn a dead comrade? This flock of 25 or more hung around this spot for several hours before I finally shooed them away. I removed the dead bird to a bag and put it inside one of the trash cans. Do magpies mourn? Is there any other explanation for this incident? Thanks to whoever can enlighten me.