I was back at Katrinetorp, Malmö, soaking in the silence that only early hours in a manor garden can offer. Then came a flicker — no, a strut — across the lawn. Bold, brilliant, unapologetically visible: a Eurasian Magpie in full sun.
It wasn’t flying and it didn’t need to. It moved with the poise of a dancer and the authority of a headmistress. Every step purposeful. Every glance sharp, embodying the essence of the Eurasian Magpie.
Species Spotlight: Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)
Few birds stir the pot quite like the Eurasian Magpie. With their glossy black-and-white plumage, metallic blue-green iridescence, and audacious vocal range, they are hard to miss — and even harder to ignore.
Long associated with myth and mischief, magpies are more than folklore. They are among the most intelligent birds in the world, capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors and solving complex problems. In Sweden, these Eurasian Magpies are common across cities and countryside alike, often seen probing lawns, scavenging, or delivering sharp chatter from treetops.
But they’re not just noisy tricksters. They’re devoted partners, attentive parents, and deeply social — living in tight-knit territorial groups.
The Photographer’s View
📍 Katrinetorp, Malmö, Sweden
📷 Sony A7R V + Sony FE 200–600mm G OSS
⚙️ 1/1250 sec • f/6.3 • ISO 800
Photographing a magpie on the ground is about timing and texture. I caught this one just before it darted behind daisies and buttercups. The morning light softened its edges, but the tail still flashed that electric blue. Shooting handheld, I went for a slightly faster shutter to freeze its stride — magpies move with both grace and unpredictability, and capturing the presence of a Eurasian Magpie requires skill.
Elegance with Edge
There’s something theatrical about magpies. They don’t just show up; they perform. Even their call, a harsh and rattling “mag-mag-mag,” feels like commentary. Love them or loathe them, magpies force you to pay attention.
And maybe that’s what I admire most — their refusal to fade into the background, a signature trait of the Eurasian Magpie.
The Magpie’s Call to the Flock
Have you had a close encounter with one of these brilliant rogues? Was it stealing shiny things? Chasing crows? Or just giving you side-eye from a fence post?
I’d love to hear your magpie tales — drop your story in the comments or tag a fellow birdwatcher who knows the magic and mayhem of Pica pica, our unique Eurasian Magpie.
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