Ladies and Gentlemen...

... may I introduce 'Rossini'.

He is about 4 years old. His parents, 'Scruffy' and 'Buddy' were our constant visitors all one summer, demanding to be fed first thing in the morning and then serenading us throughout the day as they perched on the backs of the outdoor chairs.

We named Rossini after Gioachino Rossini, a popular early 19th century Italian composer; one of his operas being 'The Thieving Magpie'.

We chose wisely. This magpie isn't a thief, but he certainly is 'musical'. Richard has often been regaled with his extensive repertoire whilst working in the garden, but I hadn't heard the full 'concert' until yesterday.

The beautiful magpie warble was interspersed with many other bird calls including parrots, plovers, sparrows, as well as dogs barking, human voices, cars and even an ambulance siren in perfect pitch.

I know that magpies are noted for being good mimics but the range of sounds that Rossini has acquired is amazing. He has even copied the special way in which Richard whistles to him.

He is quite tame and will come into the house if the door is left open and when he's hungry he runs along the brick path, hops up the five steps up onto the deck, and pecks on the familyroom door.

We hope he stays and serenades us for many years.