I love that you counted Buzzards, near to where I live there’s a small forest where two Buzzards live so my rhyme would be really short if I was counting them ? This superstition was then adapted by the English in the 18th century, which is when the first versions of the magpie rhyme appeared. In more recent times, magpie superstition has also come to represent hope and strength in trying times. However, there are several regional variations of this little ditty, such as: I saw eight magpies in a tree, Two for you and six for me.

The first track on Seanan McGuire's album Wicked Girls, also titled "Counting Crows", features a modified version of the rhyme. The change from spring to autumn sowing and the increase in the use of agricultural chemicals have reduced the amount of insects and weed seeds available for songbirds to eat. While some cultures view a magpie as a bad omen, others see them as a sign of good luck and heralding good fortune. Whatever the case, this centuries-old nursery rhyme continues to entertain and delight children and adults alike. Groups of juvenile Magpies gather from late summer onwards and are then frequently joined by adults to form flocks of up to a dozen or more.In the 19th century book, A Guide to the Scientific Knowledge of Things Familiar, a proverb concerning magpies is recited: "A single magpie in spring, foul weather will bring". The rhyme’s social implications are far-reaching, with adults and children alike finding great meaning in its words.

The first written record of the Magpie rhyme dates from 1777, in John Brand’s “Observations on the Popular Antiquities of Great Britain” was a simple four-line verse, alternating between positive and negative fortunes. For years children have learned the nursery rhyme about counting magpies – but that was because of their historic scarcity. When someone experiences a moment of joy, they may quote it as an act of gratitude or appreciation for their moment of happiness. People also believe that by mentioning the magpie’s wife, you would be acknowledging that there were indeed two magpies, and two were considered good luck. In even earlier times, it’s said that the Magpie was the only bird that didn’t enter the ark built by Noah at the time of the Great Flood, choosing instead to remain outside on the vessel’s mast post, cursing in the pouring rain.However feel sure if I control a few Magpies I would do much less damage than someone who lets their cat or dog roam around killing and disturbing all sorts of birds and animals. Terry Pratchett and Jacqueline Simpson, The Folklore of Discworld (London: Random House, 2010), ISBN 1407034243, p.