Territory Wars

The Mountain Bluebirds arriving in the area is the sign of spring. Their bright blue feathers add a pop of colour to the landscape. The males arrive first and pick out the nest box to show the female when she arrives. The Tree Swallows show up as a stand (a group of Tree Swallows) and the bluebirds must defend the nest box against several of these agile flying. The bluebirds chase the swallows in aerial combat defending their home in a territory war. Fast and furious, these territory wars are exhilarating to watch and challenging to photography with both species making quick maneuvers banking in all direction. I was fortunate to capture this male just as he banked left to chase off the intruder.