A BATTLE IN THE BUSH

WHO'S THE BAD BIRD?

     Early evening and the sun is cutting slanted shadows on 
the east side of the ridge while the valley basks in full light.

      This is the arena. Male turkey's proving who is the baddest in what is a late summer or autumn show. 
      The battle has Hemingway and Luke riveted in their front row seats.

   Hemingway continued to "stalk" the moving rumble.

      No Marquis of Queensbury rules for these brutes.  They brawl up and down an open space and even fight into the heavy growth in the back of the frame below-a thicket of echium.  A video captures "the fight in the bush."

   As I watched they paired, though occasionally the third hand, one is seen above, also gets drawn into the fray.
   The video of such a fracas is available below.  I don't understand the protocol. There were two packs-3 turkeys in each, rumbling an hour or so before sunset.  Two would duel in an attempt to lock the other's head in its mouth. They would twirl, trot and stagger as they fought.  The third hand would appear as a referee, tagging in and out until he  joined into the fight too.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

OF

THE BATTLE IN THE BUSH

These guys are a bit different that what 
lands on Thanksgiving tables huh?
See you down the trail.