Let the Battles Begin

To those of you who know me and have started reading this blog, you may be disappointed that I am not writing about the Kawartha Field Naturalists outing at the Altberg Sanctuary today.  Don't get me wrong - it was a great outing!  The folks at KFN really are wonderful - thank goodness I discovered the club last year (once again the year of The Evening Grosbeak pays dividends).

Today's topic, however, deals with the battles that occur on my property.  Two days ago, the first ruby-throated hummingbird of the year showed up at my feeders.  Today, a second has appeared and the battles have begun.

Nature is a hard mistress, death occurs on a daily basis.  Battles are carried out in the defense of territories, mates and food sources.  The strategies used vary from brute force to clever distraction.

I've seen a couple of turkey battles.  Great gatherings of male turkeys, each contender is supported by an entourage of younger males.  Chests swell, feathers puff.  The entourages stare each other down, coming together occasionally to bump chests.  These battles can be long-lasting, injuries are common.  One turkey that used to come to my driveway to feed, one of the entourage, returned from battle with a broken toe.

The red squirrels chitter away at each other, fiercely voicing disagreement that another encroach on treasured territory.  If the intruder doesn't back down, the chase begins.  Up the tree, down the tree, across the lawn to the next tree.  Along a branch, jumping to the next tree, scattering leaves in their haste.  One finally outruns the other and battle is done until the next time.

Woodpeckers scold and posture.  Their squeaking defense can be heard on the tree and in the air.  The chase is slower and less combative than that of the squirrels.  A short chase, sometimes from one tree to the next, and the battle is resolved.

The blue jay flies in, calling vociferously, frightening off other birds.  Or it sits in wait in the tree before unleashing a call that is uncannily reminiscent of a hawk - was that really a broad-winged hawk or was that a blue jay?  Birds scatter to avoid being taken in the talons of a raptor.

The hummingbird battle is constant and fierce.  A feeder, defended by one tiny ferocious bundle of beautiful feathers and a piercing bill, where occasionally but rarely, the female is allowed to feed but other males are driven off without mercy.  They dash in to frighten off the intruder then settle, shifting ruffled feathers back into position, on a nearby perch, ready to defend again.  Intruders hover, waiting for the male to turn his head, to stop paying attention, to show himself vulnerable.  A quick dart to the feeder, a rapid short feeding and then away again to avoid being skewered.

And so I say, Let the battles begin.......or should I say continue?