The Visitor

• 35X45cm, acrylic on board
  

Most mornings around nine, this magpie would show up like clockwork. 

He’d hop confidently across the tiles, inspect the laundry basket like it might contain something interesting, and pause in front of the washing machine with the intense focus of someone trying to unlock a portal. 

We never fed him, but we always left the door open. He seemed to appreciate the gesture — a curious little visitor with places to be.

Funny how quickly a bird can become part of the household rhythm.