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Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,397
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

In this very unusual photo, a pair of Magpies have built a nest on the antlers of a bull elk, apparently sharing his life with him, going where he goes, sleeping when he sleeps.  Life must be a challenge when he runs or shakes his head.  They're in trouble if he sheds his antlers as they'll find themselves on the ground floor and no longer mobile. 

 

They probably pick ticks off the elk, a true symbiotic relationship?

 

Screenshot_20230313_134504_Chrome.jpg

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Honored Contributor
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Registered: ‎05-23-2010

Yes, this is an example of mutualism. Mutualism is the type of symbiosis in which both living things benefit. 

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,019
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Very unique and interesting.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,397
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

It's hard to distinguish the birds amid the twigs and antlers. I took this screenshot from a video where both adults were jumping in and out of the nest. 

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Respected Contributor
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Registered: ‎04-04-2020

That is amazing!  Learned something new today Kachina! Cat Very Happy

Honored Contributor
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Registered: ‎03-15-2014

Reminds me of the fascinators they wear in England.  Smiley Happy

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,408
Registered: ‎08-31-2019

Oh, no. That can't end well. Crazy to see, though.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,489
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Wow.  Just love Mother Nature!

“If we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.”- Jimmy Buffet
Respected Contributor
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Registered: ‎02-16-2019

Mother nature is very smart, there must be a reason, the magpie's are probably not going to have an issue with predators?

Respected Contributor
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Registered: ‎03-15-2021

I hope they abandon ship before rut season. It could get dangerous in that nest.