Magpie prank on Edmonton AM has city squawking
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The winds of change? Or feather-headed bureaucracy?
Plans to make the Magpie Alberta's official bird had Edmonton AM listeners all aflutter Friday morning.
During the show, it was announced that the 'Great Parrot of Alberta' would upset the stately Great Horned Owl from its coveted perch as Alberta's favourite feathered emblem.
A bird bureaucrat by the name of Steve Pernicious, the superintendent of provincial heraldry, explained that the ubiquitous magpie — with its black and white plumage and relentless song — was a more appropriate symbol for Albertans.
And if the news had you squawking mad, our apologies.
It was all an April Fool's joke.
But before the prank was called off, listeners had plenty of time to pick away at the pros and cons of the proposal.
<a href="https://twitter.com/MarkConnollyCBC">@MarkConnollyCBC</a> Looks like a black and white choice to me.
—@ShirlOxby<a href="https://twitter.com/MarkConnollyCBC">@MarkConnollyCBC</a> I'm sure our friend <a href="https://twitter.com/yegmagpie">@yegmagpie</a> is thrilled that his prestige is finally being acknowledged. Congrats! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kakakakak?src=hash">#kakakakak</a>
—@soconnorYEGMagpie to replace Great horned owl as Alberta's provincial bird.. Another Socialist plot? <a href="https://t.co/NZ6JCdbvQF">https://t.co/NZ6JCdbvQF</a>
—@Hughesmarkc<a href="https://twitter.com/MarkConnollyCBC">@MarkConnollyCBC</a> Magpie's recycle by eating garbage! It's an environmental issue!
—@Br1anEleven<a href="https://twitter.com/MarkConnollyCBC">@MarkConnollyCBC</a> A pair of magpies are re-establishing their nest in my yard. Can't wait to put up a sign "Home of Alberta's Official Bird"
—@SussexGeezerDo you think the magpie should earn a place as Alberta's provincial bird, or was this just a fowl idea? Let us know in the comments section below.