Kitchen Garden Forum

Some months ago I lost my 24 carat gold pendant (great sentimental value) whilst cutting grass in the garden. Searched for hours but couldn't find it. That day and for a few days afterwards we had a few magpies loitering in the garden.

Does anyone know if it's true that they will take shiny things for their nests, or totally unfounded?
I've spent the last few months searching, raking, and going over every inch with a metal detector (still haven't finished) but still no sign.

You'll probably think it's a bit stupid to wear something like that to cut the grass - but it was something I never took off.

What do you think . . . do I keep looking, or is it now adorning a magpie's abode?

Hi Goldilox

I had a magpie come through my bedroom window to take a ring pull of a coke can. It was on the window ledge and was glinting in the sunlight.

I only know because the stupid bird couldn't get out again and it scared me half to death. Those things are BIG when you're 6 inches away trying to open the window wider

If it hadn't got stuck I'd have been unaware and it could have picked up anything.

Find that nest!

Keep looking, it might still be there.

Hi Goldilox,
It is said that Magpies take their finds back to the nest so if you know where the nests are perhaps you could have a look.
It is a little late for this season but when this years young have flown the nest perhaps it may be worth a try.
Magpies nests are the ones with the dome and hereabouts are in the middle of Sloe thickets so if it is the same with you it could be a prickly old time.
JB.

There is a wood nearby which is surrounded by all sorts of shrubbery and trees, including blackthorn and wild plum. Maybe that's the place to start. Big circumference though.
We also have lots of old oak trees around but can't see any nests there.
I'll have a walk around and see if I can see anything, because once the leaves have grown it might be difficult.
Thanks for that, and in the meantime it's back to the metal detector.
Chris