I always salute a single magpie, not in pairs.
But then I say hi to the Robins too. I think those are onthe decline, so it's lovely.
No magpies here
We get loads of magpies, crows and hooded crows, very few ravens. Lots of buzzards and peregrines too. I am not generally superstitious but can't stop myself saluting the magpies! It's very common to see the crows mobbing the birds of prey.
Yes they eat all the flies here to and act as little muck spreaders.As they are brilliant 'poo pickers' we tolerate them!!