The Magpies’ Revenge

This piece was originally created for a call for murals.

2022 was supposed to be the year. The year that the magpie - noble, bold, and a true Calgarian spirit - would soar into the city's history books as the official bird of Calgary. The magpies had worked tirelessly, flashing their best feathers and putting on a full-scale charm offensive, day in and day out. Surely, these iridescent pals, as quintessentially Calgarian as the Saddledome or a brunch-time caesar, would claim their rightful place at the top of the city's avian hierarchy, no?

But, alas, fate had other plans! The black-capped chickadee ran a sneaky and highly strategic campaign, pulling out all the stops with its fluffy charm and heart-melting "aww"-factor. It was a stunning upset—a real David vs. Goliath moment. The magpies were robbed, the city they called home had turned its back on them.

Now, however, the magpies have come together with a plan of poetic revenge. These mischievous magpies are playing with the great icons of Calgary in the way that Calgary once played with their hearts.

Creative direction: Nick Kuhl and Lindy Pruitt