Mr Baker said there are a few things the general public should be aware of when it comes to potentially rescuing a magpie, but reiterates that it is only in certain circumstances, such as being hit by a car and on the road, or at risk of predation by cats or dogs, that a magpie should be picked up in the first place. "If we see a baby magpie on the ground, the first reaction should be to observe the bird. Is it just after a storm when a very small baby is lost from the nest?