Source: Despite Straight Lines
However, the crafty magpies didn't back down. And in fact, they had the opposite reaction.
When Cuzilla checked the effectiveness of the homemade owl, he didn't find magpies repetitive. What he discovered was even more fascinating—magpies gathering on his porch, almost genuflecting before this artificial owl.
“I accidentally made a magpie god,” Cuzilla wrote.
Despite Giulio Cuzilla thinking the magpies were showing reverence to his creation, animal behaviorist Gisela Kaplan offers a different perspective. According to Kaplan, the magpies are likely issuing a warning to the "newcomer" and asserting their territorial dominance.
“They give these warnings and say, 'Do you mind? You’re in our territory; you should leave. Some of their calls are just diplomatic niceties indicating, 'You’re stepping on our turf.' And that’s what they’re doing." Kaplan said.
Magpies are known for their intelligence and boldness, so they are less likely to be scared off by attempts at intimidation like Cuzilla's solution. But his creative solution gave a peek into the complex social world of these birds.
Source: givlivs_x
Interestingly, Cuzilla, who was initially frustrated with the magpies, has had a change of heart. Watching their behaviors and interactions, he has grown to appreciate the special qualities of these magpies.
“When you see their nature and their funny ways, you can see they’re pretty cute,” he said.
What started as a battle to protect his cat's food has turned into a newfound admiration for the feathered visitors and their entertaining antics.
Source: Simon McGill