Another magpie

They aren't the most popular of birds with many people due in part to their predatory instincts that see them take the eggs and young of smaller, 'cuter' garden birds. Although that's strange because people who like birds rarely have the same feelings about a Sparrowhawk or a Peregrine. Perhaps there is a folklore thing going on, with the Magpie a victim of suspicion of various members of the Crow family. The numbers of Magpies around have increased considerably in recent years, more than doubling in the past three decades. There are a number of theories for why this is, including reduced persecution and a more plentiful supply of roadkill carrion in the leaner months. For me, it is just part of nature, and a stylish-looking bird.