Bird watching: black-billed magpie

Self-tutoring about birds: the tutor mentions the black-billed magpie of the BC interior.

The following is by my understanding.

I was in Kamloops this week, at the Thompson Rivers University (TRU) campus. To my knowledge, it’s my first time visiting there. Somewhat ironically, I already have a degree from TRU, but I got it online, without ever setting foot on the physical campus. Therefore, I felt at home when I arrived there.

Exploring the campus, I noticed significant motion near me – something big, moving decisively. I turned to look and saw…a crow with black and white feathers(?) Yet, I’d heard tell of such a bird.

The bird in question is the black-billed magpie, common in the BC interior east through Manitoba. These are handsome, fun birds. Once I saw that one, I saw its mate, then soon realized black-billed magpies are perhaps as common, there, as crows are here.

I saw some black-billed magpies with white, black, and blue plumage as well. It’s always a treat to see them and watch what they do.:)

Source:

Hoar, T.L., De Smet, K., Campbell, R.W., Kennedy, G., Kagmue, K. (2010). Birds of Canada. Lone Pine Publishing.

Jack of Oracle Tutoring by Jack and Diane, Campbell River, BC.