An Australian Magpie calling
Australian Magpie chortling
Canon EOS R1 with a Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM Zoom [ISO 400, 500mm, f/9.0 and 1/500])
The Australian Magpie is an iconic Australian bird with an iconic call, which most Australians would easily recognise. It is a call often associated with the morning when magpies are reminding other members of the species of their territory. In December, I was out one morning and looking for magpies to photograph portraits of when I came across a group of three. Being in the suburbs they were comfortable with humans being close. I was therefore able to approach them easily for the shot that I wanted. While I was photographing one bird, the group started to chortle. Luckily, I was able to catch this individual with its mouth open showing its spiky papillae on the underside of the top beak, likely used to help direct food down the bird’s throat.
