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Kollbrunn ZH “The magpie is disturbed – that’s it, basta” – cuddly bird makes community unsafe
A magpie has been up to mischief in Kollbrunn for a few days. Among other things, she even tried to break into other people’s houses. The game warden is at a loss.
The Elster also pays regular visits to the primary school in Kollbrunn.
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The ranger recommends chasing the animal away, whether with brooms or thrown objects.
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That’s what it’s regarding
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Domenico Messina was on his way to work when suddenly a magpie landed on him.
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The trusting bird is now well-known throughout Kollbrunn, which belongs to the municipality of Zell.
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The game warden advises to chase the bird away.
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The expert from the Swiss Ornithological Institute also advises keeping a distance from tame birds.
In the small town of Kollbrunn in the municipality of Zell, confrontations with a magpie have been reported once more and once more since last week. It quickly became clear that it was always the same magpie. This is also what Domenico Messina reports to «ZüriToday»: «I was walking when suddenly a magpie dived at me. At first I thought the bird was trying to attack me.”
The magpie also pays regular visits to the primary school in Kollbrunn, says headmistress Franziska Burgener. The magpie sits on people’s heads and has already tried to get into the school building. “The magpie has no respect for people and seeks contact.” Even if the pupils in the primary classes already see the magpie as an integral part of the school, warnings are given regarding the bird. The game warden advised her to chase the animal away – be it with a broom or with throwing objects.
“I can’t shoot in the middle of the village”
Gamekeeper Siegfried Ruoss confirms: “I’ve been the head of the hunt for 50 years, but I’ve never experienced anything like it.” Normal magpies would shy away from humans – but not this one. Because the magpie is “gyggerig” and crows all the time, she has to be chased away from the school grounds.
“If the magpie had been outside the village, I would have shot it,” says Ruoss. But he mightn’t start shooting in the middle of the village. However, one cannot catch the magpie either. “She’s disturbed – done, basta.”
Expert advises once morest rearing
Martina Schybli from the Swiss Ornithological Institute reassures: “We are not aware of any attacks by magpies.” The behavior of the magpie points to a tame bird that was raised by humans. It happens once more and once more that ravens that have fallen out of the nest are raised by human hands. However, the expert advises once morest it: “This is not doing the birds any favors because there is a risk that they will be shaped on humans.” So they might never develop normal social behavior.
It is important to always keep a distance from tame birds, says Schybli. “If a bird keeps trying to land on someone’s shoulder or head, you can try to scare it off – but without being rude.” Birds should be deterred but not injured. You should never feed tame birds. “Anyone who finds a wild bird should telephone a nursing station.”