A family of magpies lives in the field next to us. They fly back and forth calling and complaining. A family of six. They all look alike, parents and kids, same size, same color; shiny iridescent black set off by striking white. Big birds. They look alike until the youngsters start fluttering their wings and begging to be fed. Sometimes they’re all in our campsite at once, on the fire grate, the picnic table, the trees, and the bird feeder, sampling the suet. Talking amongst themselves.
Nice family. A little noisy as neighbors, but nice family.
