This Morning Outside

by Diane Porter

September 21, 2011
Birdwatching Dot Com
Fairfield, Iowa

Seven eastern bluebirds visited the birdhouse this morning. How sweet, I thought, the family has come back to visit where the young were hatched this summer.

Photos copyright 2011 Michael and Diane Porter

But their mission was not all sweetness.

The bluebirds flew at one another, collided, tumbled to the ground and grappled. Males fought males, while females stood by and watched, like school kids streaming to a playground fight. Above, two females do battle. 

Why? Perhaps for ownership next spring of a certain birdhouse.

Below, one male manages to hold the other one down. I think he was standing on his rival's neck.

—Diane Porter

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