Two for Joy

Magpie – Scraperboard (after Cassell)

Recently, in exploring ideas about collecting, and whether this was a natural instinct in us – I thought about the Magpie and its reputation for collecting – or stealing – bright objects.   Indeed, all of nature and all the animals for whom collecting is essential to survival.  It is often seen in caches of food.

Magpie carved in Polyphant (Cornish Soapstone)

It seems that the Magpie’s penchant for shiny things  comes down to the attracting of a female – the males who collect and show the best array of sparkle and shine, will get the girl!  I’m wondering what it is in the female that causes her to make that selection.  Similar behaviour is seen in the Bower Bird, but they seem to collect objects of a particular colour to entice their mate.  When I was at Harewood Estate last year watching Red Kites,  I learned that they liked to collect fluffy material, teddy-bears and the like.

It is interesting how deeply ingrained the folklore surrounding Magpies is – it seems to heavily influence our thinking – I found myself not wishing to show only one Magpie in my exhibition – remembering the ‘one for sorrow, two for joy … ‘ rhyme.   I included the scraperboard drawing I did, to accompany my stone Magpie sculpture – just to be safe!   In French and Italian folklore magpies’ penchant for picking up shiny items is thought to be particularly directed towards precious stones.

Magpie sculpture by Jennifer Tetlow

Despite being a very intelligent bird, and one of the most common in the UK, the Magpie is still viewed with suspicion and one of the most vilified.   Is this due to their cheeky prancing, and their challenging and almost arrogant attitude?  Perhaps it’s because they predate the eggs and nestlings of other, smaller birds to rear their own brood.   I rather like them, with their striking plumage and demonstrative behaviour, and must get to know them better.