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Avian Hitchhiking A red-winged blackbird demonstration | May 24, 2020 |
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Bird behavior does not always follow what is accustomed or typical. On last Wednesday, I watched a red-winged blackbird chase a red-tailed hawk. |
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Yes, such chases are typical during spring when a red-wing has a nest to protect.
Totally unexpected was the red-winged blackbird landing on the red-tailed hawk and having a ride or a hitchhike. |
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So maybe it didn't have anything to do with protective nesting behavior? |
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Maybe the red-wing simply wanted the thrill of a sky-ride? |
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Or perhaps it is a macho thing that male red-winged blackbirds do to compete among each other?
Whatever the reason, the hitchhiking blackbird looked as if it was having a good time. Photo note: I used a Pentax K-3ii, with the Pentax 150-450mm lens, on May 20, 2020, for these photos. |