We have two pair of mockers nesting nearby. Two days ago one of them was killed. I am not sure if it was a female but I assume it was. This morning I watched as two birds fought in the air and in the grass for more than three minutes (although it seemed much longer.) I got several hundred pictures but most of them are redundant and some were out of focus but I was surprised that it went on as long as it did.
They seemed to prefer the picket fence. They would fly at each other, fall to the ground and roll around. The third bird, which I assume was the female, watched throughout and only got involved when her mate was losing.
Here they fall to the grass
The bird that is pinned uses his feet.
But he is quickly pinned again.
And held down for a considerable time.
Finally, his mate comes closer to the action.
That's her on the right.
The bird on top turns his attention to her.
He leaves the one he has pinned and goes after her.
More.
More
The one that was pinned recovers.
But then gets chased back to the fence.
Where Round 2 begins
Much like Round 1.
Plus some chasing
Back to the fence.
More of the same
And more
Ultimately the aggressor tired and left.
"I guess we showed him, eh Mama?"
Wow! Usually bird fights are over before I can get the camera focused. Great series!
Wonderful series Dave!
Great shots. We live in the NW Florida Panhandle. For about 10 days I've noticed frequent aggressive incidents among Mockingbirds. They have also started to show at a suet feeder that has been in continuous use for over a year. They are very territorial, and chase away all but Red Bellied Woodpeckers and Brown Thrashers. Reference books state that Mockingbirds can have several broods a year in these parts. I wonder if a second brood is what's instigated the current ruckus.
Very well could be Mike. Welcome to the forum!
Outstanding photos Dave. I've seen the Mockers fight before, but never like this.
nice shots!
Nice series of photos, Dave. "Hatfield Mockingbirds" versus "McCoy Mockingbirds" !!!
Looking at your photos, I couldn't help but think of the picket fence and the Hatfield-McCoy feud which for years has been part of American lore. Also, the picket fence has often been associated with a 'spite' fence. So, the Mockingbirds were probably quarreling over their territories.
For those unfamiliar with the Hatfields & McCoys, it involved two feuding families in the hills of West Virginia and Kentucky. Each father had 13 children and the families just hated each other. If you're interested, look them up, it makes for interesting reading.
Anyway, that is why a picture is worth a thousand words ............ pictures tell a story, fiction or non-fiction.
