March 18, 2008: Pest

[HungLikeJesus]

I was working from home one day in October and, as I was passing the front window, I noticed a deer in the driveway. He was standing with his head down, facing a magpie. The magpie was walking back and forth, with the deer watching him. It was almost as if they were having a conservation.

I went to get my camera and just as I got back the magpie flew away, but a second one came and took its place. After another few seconds of this strange negotiation, the magpie flew over and landed on the back of the deer.

The deer stood very still and the magpie started pecking him, as if looking for bugs. Over the next few minutes, the bird worked his way from the tail of the deer up to the head. Then the deer turned his head and the magpie stuck his beak into the deer's ear.

I discussed this with hunters and deer experts, and all said they had never heard of this kind of interaction.

Here are some pictures. They were taken through the window, so they're a little fuzzy.