Along the marsh of Bombay Hook National Wildlife refuge, shore birds are beginning to collection in high numbers. On their migrational route north, Bombay Hook is an essential rest stop along their journey.
While watching a number of wading birds, a pair of dueling semi-palmated sandpipers caught my eye. Leaping off the ground, one defending his territory, clearly one was more of a bully than the other.
Pecking on his head while in mid-air.
Then an in-flight crash with a squeak.
And the victor pins down his opponent.
It happened all in a flash, but what a battle it was.
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Damn, we take photos of them and look at them in awe and interest but wow :O
Crazy birds right? Amazed I was able to capture it.
If they understood us you’d prolly go “Alright that’s enough! now look pretty, I’m capturing you two and hey! chin up!” 😛
Hey these little folk can get really cereal! Great photography. Hope the one on the ground was able to eventually fly away!
Indeed he did fly away, pretty much unscathed. It’s ruthless in the bird world. Thanks Herb!
Fantastic captures Bella!
You are too kind Tiny. Thank you!
WOW, what glorious captures – talk about getting down and dirty though – love it! 🙂
Thank you so much Joanne! That fight really took me by surprise. Pretty heated, but fun to watch.
Great series of pictures, good action!
Thank you so much ! It was good fortune that I managed to get it captured.
I notice here on my porch when bird have they’ve new born babies they bring in their guest to see the new borns. Being in charge of the bird walk here I’ve observe a lot.
Now that is so interesting. I never would have known that. That is awesome that you lead bird walks. Where are you located?
You always capture such awesome photos!
Dear Stephanie, you really are too generous with your kind comment. I surely do try. 🙂
A great example of the survival of the fittest and strongest and how cruel Mother Nature is! Great photos! 🙂
Thank you kind Fatima. Indeed, it was a tough fight, but the defeated left in pretty good shape. Amazing.
Good to know!
Amazing series Emily! It did look rather painful for the underdog! Full on head butt!
Wasn’t that head on collision crazy? I couldn’t believe the shot when I saw it on my computer screen. Thank you so much.