Fencing Duel
I was in Ashbridge's Bay park in Toronto, looking for a Lark Sparrow when three Northern Flickers landed on a sand dune not too far from me. Two females got in the "fencing duel" with head bobbing, beak touching etc. while the male foraged nearby. This is all for pair bonding, establishing territory and mating during this time of the year.
The duel lasted about 50 seconds before they dispersed. Quite a fascinating behaviour to watch. By the way, I did see and photograph the lark sparrow, but that's for another time.
Fencing Duel
I was in Ashbridge's Bay park in Toronto, looking for a Lark Sparrow when three Northern Flickers landed on a sand dune not too far from me. Two females got in the "fencing duel" with head bobbing, beak touching etc. while the male foraged nearby. This is all for pair bonding, establishing territory and mating during this time of the year.
The duel lasted about 50 seconds before they dispersed. Quite a fascinating behaviour to watch. By the way, I did see and photograph the lark sparrow, but that's for another time.