As to the Magpie: I telephoned the Yukon Bird/Wildlife guru, Dave Mossop, and asked him if we are seeing more Magpies up here, or is it just our fevered imagination?

Nope, says Mr. Mossop, there really are more Magpies in the Yukon. But this is NOT because of "global warming." It seems that Magpies, - like others in the 'Corvidae' Family (Ravens, Jays, Crows) - are scavengers, and therefore like to live around humans. These birds started to appear up here in the 60's, as the Yukon (human) population increased.

Are Magpies encroaching on Raven territory, and forcing them to other climes? Nope, again. According to Mr. Mossop, Magpies and Ravens co-exist quite well.