My Mate Maggie by Fiona Phipps

Now I’ve heard of The Bird Man of Alcatraz…..Fiona, you must be The Bird Woman of the North? Another of your excellent charcoal bird studies.

There is so much written about the Magpie in folklore and superstition, some cultures call it evil , the Devil himself, even. Other cultures revere the bird seeing them as omens of good luck. In Ancient Greece the word ornis meant ‘bird’ and they also meant ‘omen,’ seen as signs from the Gods. A play written in 414bc called The Birds, the chorus was given by the birds themselves…..which left the audience in no doubt about their abilities and power that was written in the interpretation of these signs from the God’s. If you want to listen to a folk song about the one for sorrow, two for joy rhyme, listen to this version by The Unthanks…..it will make your hairs stand on end!

Superb sketch Fiona . When I was in RAF there was a old Warrant Officer a Cornish man he used to snap to attention and salute whenever he spotted a magpie and shout Mr Magpie I salute you , needless to say we had our bit of fun and say , is that a magpie over there .

Love the drawing. I get a couple in the garden quite often. For some reason I think of them as spivs in their natty outfits. A bit rowdy too, any other birds leg it when the magpies turn up.

I do have a reputation regarding rearing and releasing sick/vulnerable birds/animals Marjorie 😂 thank you for your comment. Thanks Paul. Yes, I always say good morning Mr. Magpie and wish it well……just incase. Many thanks Lewis. They do look smart in their black & white.

I got to the picture on the small screen and new this beauty was yours before I read your name!

You have caught the character of this Magpie Fiona. We have dozens of them around here.

You are kind Gudrun, thank you very much. Thank you John. I have my telescope set up on a Magpie nest at the moment, well it will be when they’ve finished! It must be 2.5 to 3 foot high already.

You have done this so well Fiona.

This is a great drawing Fiona, perfect subject for charcoal and chalk. I like magpies, always a little surprised as to how big they are.

Maggie looks very knowledgable about everything around her Fiona. I love the moody sky behind her too.

So much to learn about magpies Fiona. Who would have guessed. Your magpie does have a very knowing look and seems very aware of itself. A super charcoal drawing, which is very expressive. Thanks for all the interesting info’.

Gorgeous!

Like this very much , great work !!

Another dramatic charcoal Fiona! You are inspiring me to get my charcoal out and see what I can create.

Great pose with his head turned to look at something.

A cracking charcoal sketch Fiona! Your magpie has ‘the look’, don’t mess with me! When we moved to the Cotswolds 16 years ago we found it strange that we didn’t see magpies here, but in recent years they have appeared and now we see them regularly, so a success story I guess. I took two friends on a walk here yesterday and we spotted two beautiful thrushes and a heron within yards of each other. Sometimes you just need to know where to look!

PS I also love The Unthanks!

I love Magpies Fiona and yes they are full of mischief but they are nonetheless beautiful.

Liking this loose style Fiona, it works for you -

A lovely loose style Fiona. I really like it.

She is a beauty Fiona. Love it.

Excellent and I can tell you have a heartbeat attachment to magpies.

Stephen, thank you very much. I would love to see your own interpretation Russell, I know it would be amazing! They are Sarah. They know what you are thinking, I’m sure. I often wonder if they pass on their knowledge through the centuries Carole, that’s quite something if they see the old days! Romila, Valerie……thank you both very much! Go on Trevor, be a devil! I use the the powdered charcoal to get a rough shape, by dipping a soft brush in to it. Then build on that really. Thank you very much for your comment! Many thanks Sandra……it was looking at me taking the photo! Thanks Tessa! Great birds to spot, especially the Thrushes! I think magpies are still shot, poisoned and trapped if near a shooting estate, as crows are too. You need to be pretty wily to catch either of the above! Glad you like the The Unthanks version. They are indeed beautiful Shaun, thank you. Alan, David, Denise, Heather…..thank you so much for your kind comments.

I have a pair that visits my garden but the little tinkers took a liking to the snowdrop bulbs I had in a pot on the garden table and kept digging them up. They must have decided they don't like the taste because after a couple of pecks they then left the bulbs alone. I repotted the bulbs but they came back the next day for another go. After several repottings I gave up and got rid of them. The bulbs not the magpies ! 😀 Love Maggie's portrait.

😂 that sound like typical Magpie mischief Val! I planted my garlic in December, when I checked them they had been pulled up and left on the surface! Little devils…..I caught them at it. Thank you for looking and leaving your lovely comment.