Brutal

[Joerg Rockenberger]

In the past few weeks I've observed a couple of pretty intense fights between Marbled Godwits. Is this already breeding behavior? Any other ideas?

Thanks. JR

Canon 40D, 400F5.6, 1/2000s, F6.3, ISO-400, Aperture Mode, EC 0

[Wayne Richardson]

Hi John

A great action image!!

A lot of shorebird species defend territories on their wintering grounds. You will often find the same individual at exactly the same spot - year after year. That is until it dies or loses one these encounters & this is why these battles can be so violent.

Cheers: Wayne

[Joerg Rockenberger]

Hi Wayne, thanks for providing the explanation. I had no idea that the same bird comes back to the same location during wintering. Amazing. JR

[Julie Kenward]

Man! That has just GOT to hurt!!! What an amazing action image but OUCH!