NELSON BOND THE MAGGIE MAN OF KINGS PARK

In 1938, Nelson Bond lived on Barker Road in Subiaco and was an employee of the Swan Brewery. Each morning, he walked to work, cutting across Kings Park. He eventually started feeding the magpies that he encountered, throwing them bits of cake and meat, and marvelling as they caught the food mid-air.

They soon came to know him and would watch for his approach. When they saw him, they would fly up to him confidently. One would occasionally flutter up near his hat or (as pictured) perch on his leather bag.

Throughout his walk, Nelson closely observed how each group of magpies had their own territory. One group would not intrude upon the other while waiting for their breakfast treats. "At one stage of his walk to work, Mr. Bond will encounter, say, six or seven birds; further along the track will be others awaiting his advent."

Mirror; 26 March 1938; Page 18.