Wild Wise: Brainy Birds (Magpies)

Clever, curious and full of surprises! Black-billed Magpies are among the smartest birds around, but how much do we really know about these familiar feathered neighbours? Can magpies recognize themselves in a mirror? Can they recognize humans by their faces? And just how clever are they compared to other animals? In this interactive Wild Wise presentation, students explore the remarkable intelligence, adaptations and behaviours of magpies through hands-on challenges, games and fascinating wildlife facts. They'll discover how these resourceful birds solve problems, communicate, build elaborate nests and contribute to healthy ecosystems. Along the way, we'll bust common magpie myths, share real patient stories from Calgary Wildlife's rehabilitation hospital and explore how we can better coexist with these often-misunderstood birds. Perfect for Kindergarten to Grade 6, this program encourages students to look beyond a magpie's noisy reputation and appreciate the incredible intelligence of the wildlife living right in their own neighbourhoods!