Looks like spring is nearly with us – what happened to the good old Cape Paterson winter? Bird activity has heightened in the past week with evidence of nest preparation and mating behaviour. I am currently in a serious territorial dispute with an Australian Magpie (the individual, the male of a pair, is pictured below) who is consistently attacking me as soon as I venture out to the open space to the west of my house. It does not appear to be swooping anyone else walking by, so it clearly sees me as a threat to its territory. It could be an interesting few weeks ahead!