I hiked in to the Canosia Wildlife Preserve Great Blue Heron Rookery this morning. There is a fantastic swamp / pond that has been formed by the HUGE beaver dam. Birds and other mammals love the handiwork of the beavers (many generations).

In the story of bird migration, it is almost always the males of each species which return to summer nesting grounds first … followed by females later in the spring. Two Tree Swallows found a drowned birch tree … perfect for a nest. A Battle Royale was joined … very fierce and very short (less than one second). This battle was repeated many times as each male tree swallow desired the optimale nesting hole. Enjoy!

The “challenger” lands just above the defending champion, who notes his presence.

The Battle! (last image is of the challenger falling away and giving up for the moment)

The “champion” post fight with his nest hole!