Regarded as the “hooligans” of the wild bird population, magpies can cause damage to gardens, particularly in the breeding season.
With their iridescent black and white plumage and long tails, magpies are among the UK’s most distinctive birds.
The large garden scavengers are instinctive killers, often hunting for other bird eggs, fledglings or nestlings to feed their young. However, their disruption doesn’t stop within the animal population as they are often seen pecking around in soil.
The main damage that they cause is by creating holes in the garden lawn while looking for insects and pests, with some reported to be a couple of inches wide.
Magpies are notoriously difficult to get rid of, therefore addressing the issue is a better solution. Although there is not one simple answer, gardening experts have issued guidance on what to do.
Investing in pesticide, applied either by a professional lawn company or yourself, will eliminate insect pests. Over time, when magpies realise there is no food in the grass, they will ease off pecking the lawn and eventually stop.
Other gardeners advise to leave bird food out in different areas of the garden to offer the magpies food without digging up the turf. However, this may result in attracting more feathered creatures that cause a plethora of other issues.
Not only do magpies cause garden damage, but they are notorious in bullying other birds away, often dominating the tables.
To help protect other species, bird lovers can provide lots of suitable nesting sites that offer some security and safety. For example, placing nesting boxes in places that magpies are not able to get too.
Protecting wild bird food on tables is also important if you wish to feed or attract other varieties. Using a wire-netting cage with a mesh size that excludes magpies is a great way to ensure smaller birds are able to eat freely without being bullied out of the area.
There are many superstitions associated with magpies, featuring prominently in folklore. Seeing a single magpie is said to bring bad luck.
This comes from the idea that magpies were the only birds that didn’t comfort Jesus during his crucifixion.
However, seeing two of the birds is now meant to be good luck, with people often saluting them to ward off bad luck.
