When two Acorns want the same vantage point
Observing Acorn Woodpeckers always reminds me of the adage "with friends like these, who needs enemies." As they live in a unique extended communal groups, it's a safe bet that these two are of the same group if not related genetically. Despite this connection, they are very aggressive towards one another. The exception is when a different species of bird gets to close, then they work together like a well oiled military unit to beat the snot out of the interloper. Despite their aggression (perhaps because of it) they are my favorite birds.
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
Brown Acres - Jackson County - Southern Oregon
When two Acorns want the same vantage point
Observing Acorn Woodpeckers always reminds me of the adage "with friends like these, who needs enemies." As they live in a unique extended communal groups, it's a safe bet that these two are of the same group if not related genetically. Despite this connection, they are very aggressive towards one another. The exception is when a different species of bird gets to close, then they work together like a well oiled military unit to beat the snot out of the interloper. Despite their aggression (perhaps because of it) they are my favorite birds.
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
Brown Acres - Jackson County - Southern Oregon