Just another regular Saturday in the Treasure house. Right on time is our tap-tap-tapping at the door.
Both Little Treasures run to the pantry to get out yesterday's bread. A quick adjustment of slippers and dressing gowns and we are ready to serve breakfast.
Maggie and Puff have been regular visitors to our front door for a few weeks now. Puff sits patiently in the tree while Maggie pops down and taps persistenly on the glass until a human occupant inside comes out with some food. It is a very civilised arrangement - she knocks, we feed. Then they potter off to collect the bugs and grubs from my garden.
It made me think this morning about the gorgeous children's story 'Diary of a Wombat' by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley where a rambunctious wombat regularly requests donations of the eating kind from a family nearby his burrow. Our Magpies show no shame in tapping until the food arrives, and I am sure the plans for the morning include a stop at their favourite neighbourhood cafe for a quick bread-snack before heading off for the morning's work.
The children love the Magpie visits and it reminds me how connected the kids are to their natural world, and how important it is to foster that love of all things in nature. This morning we have created magpie pictures and my youngest daughter has made a picnic with her toys and tea set with a special bowl set for Maggie and Puff. She reminded the toys that they needed to wear their 'Magpie Hats' (as per last Spring's mating season) and to stare the birds in the eye if they got any 'funny ideas' about flapping at the table.
We remember only too well our gorgeous Magpies last season and the frantic jogs back from the park (children in tow) whilst being dive-bombed by two very enthusiastic new bird parents. I love that the children have remembered these encounters, but have not held a grudge, willingly inviting the feathered guests to the table for tea. It really is so like children - one day you are not at all seeing eye to eye on a matter, the next day you are best friends. There's a life lesson there. :)
