중학교 영어 2 (천재교과서 이상기) 연계 글

March 4

This morning, I saw two magpies in the tallest tree in our schoolyard. The two birds were carrying long sticks to a new nest near the top. After class, I asked Ms. Kwon, my science teacher, to tell me more about these birds. She lent me a pair of binoculars and told me to watch quietly from a distance.

March 9

The nest is getting bigger every day. Both birds bring sticks, so I cannot tell which one is the male. Male and female magpies look almost exactly alike. The pair pushes the sticks together and holds them in place with mud. Today I noticed the most surprising part of the nest: it has a roof! Ms. Kwon explained that the roof helps keep egg thieves away from the eggs and chicks.

March 15

During lunch, my friend Dowon and I watched the pair from a bench. One bird flew down to the grass and caught a worm, while the other pushed a piece of bread under some dry leaves. Magpies eat insects, seeds, fruit, and dead animals, and they even eat the eggs of other birds. When they find extra food, they often hide it and come back for it later.

Ms. Kwon also told us about a study in Seoul. Scientists climbed up to some magpie nests on a university campus, and later the birds scolded those scientists but ignored everyone else. That is why she wants us to stay away from the tree.

March 22

For three days, one bird has stayed inside the nest all the time, and only its partner flies in and out. Ms. Kwon says this usually means that there are eggs inside. I am so curious about the chicks. I want my whole class to see them, but only from far away. Watching these birds has been the happiest part of my spring.