Everyone exchanged amicable words of friendship and neighbourly reconciliation.

“Miaowkiaowpa,” said Simpkin, “my braather, Tigger and our dear oldest companion, Moppet have observed Corvids over many years. You all seem to have rather loud squawking voices, apart from yourself, where we can understand your comments and explanations.”

“Indeed,” replied Mrs Magpie, “I am quite an old bird and have taken time to calm down somewhat to continue learning about the environment around us.”

“Meow, brrrrrp,” said The Bullpuss, “the Magpies seem to enjoy disagreeing with the other Corvids, the Jackdaws, Rooks and Crows.”

“It can often seem like that,” said the Magpie, “but actually it’s just boisterous fun with lots of noise and flapping of wings.”

“Macow,” said Tigger, “does this apply to the naughty grey squirrels too?”

“Not in the least,” she replied, putting her head to the other side and again fixing Tigger with a beady eye, “they are insidious pests, and directly in competition for the best nesting places and often food sources too. They steal our eggs and I’m afraid we retaliate and steal their young babies. Things were fine until centuries ago, when some humans introduced grey squirrels to their estates and gardens.”


“Meup, mewp, I have a question please,” said Tabitha, raising a paw, “can you explain from the Corvids point of view, why Magpies like your good self, are often seen together in small groups, whereas the Rooks and Jackdaws flock in tremendous numbers? Conversely, Crows and Jays often seem solitary apart from egg-laying time.”

“Ah hah,” replied Mrs Magpie, with something resembling a smile, “a most significant and deep question. All I can say is that your human ornithologists may have some theories, whereas from our viewpoint, it has just evolved over the years. We have usually been quite clever at fitting into our environment to get the best of it for everyone.”

Mrs Ribby had the next question, “we’ve noticed how upset you all become when those raucous but colourful green Parakeets invade your territory.”

“Another intruder, not quite as naughty as the Grey Squirrels and at least they are birds and you can always spot them as they fly in. They cannot move without screeching their intentions.”

Ruby, the youngest Ginger Nut, was amusing everyone by chasing the young Magpies around the lawn. She received several warning pecks on her gorgeous tail. Each time she ran at a magpie, the bird hopped into the air, to leap over the cat and land behind her. As fast as the bird disappeared, one of its siblings landed to one side of Ruby and she then concentrated on trying to capture that one. Thus the amusing cycle was repeated.


“When we have observed the moving picture box,” said Mungojerrie, “or the television as Bullpuss calls it, we have seen many fascinating things concerning the natural history of the world, all presented by a kindly old gentleman called Sir David. I can recall seeing Mynah birds who look similar to you Corvids and we were intrigued by the fact that they can talk, somewhat similar to yourself.”

“Ahh,” replied Mrs Magpie, “a few points of order Pussycat. Firstly Mynah birds are not Corvids but are more closely related to the Starling fellows. Secondly, just like the parrot fellows, their talk is pure mimicry - they don’t understand a word they are saying!”