Magpie

After an extended sabbatical from photography due to exams the beautiful weather today inspired me to get out and take some photos. This magpie (Pica pica) was hiding some pilfered peanuts in the local park as I passed by.

Magpies are one of my favourite birds both due to their striking plumage and mischievous intelligence. This particular bird decided it was a great game to hide behind a nearby bush whenever I pointed the camera at him (or her as the case may well be). After a good few minutes of circling the bush I finally managed to get a few shots before he/she decided the game had become tiresome and returned to the treetops.