Last weekend I wrote a quick post about Cowbirds. At the time I thought I had a single pair of the odd creatures. Over the last couple of days it has become clear that I have a single female cowbird who is being courted by a group of males. Last night she was feeding in the lawn and they all followed right behind her. She couldn’t have cared less. She stayed at the front of the pack and her entourage followed. I noticed that they each took turns showing off for her, but she never gave any of them the time of day. It was at dusk so I didn’t get any good shots of this odd dance.
This morning as I got ready for work I saw the whole thing playing out in the walnut tree. It was a foggy morning at the Stone House, so I apologize for the photo quality in advance…
I spotted the makes on the swing – the third entered my frame as I snapped this shot.
Where is the Cow-Girl? She’s way up in the top of the walnut tree ignoring these guys. They spot her and the competition begins. Who will win her favor – I think it will be the one who wins the Dance-off…
First the cow-boy on the right sounds a call – it sounds like dripping water in a tunnel – then he struts his stuff.
Round 1 of the dance-off – while one cow-boy struts his stuff the others watch the cow-girl to see if she takes note…
The cow-boy on the left does the cowbird version of the Electric Slide. He’s looking a little tipsy.
Round 2 – the male on the left takes his shot, the male on deck checks out his groove while the other keeps his eyes on the prize…
The center cow-boy sings his heart out and puffs himself out like a down jacket. Note the dramatic posture and twisting of his wings.
Round 3 – the center male sings louder than the others. He has been leading the charge since last night, but is his footwork fancy enough to keep him in the competition?
The cow-boy on the right answers his competitors with his best impression of an eagle. They seem unfazed.
Round 4 – the male on the right flexes his muscles, the others don’t bother watching…
The cow-boy on the left may not get any style points for this performance, but he does commit 100%.
Round 5 – the male on the left gives it his all. There are times when practicing in a mirror could really help a guy out, this is one of those times…
Not to be outdone, the cow-boy in the center answers in kind. What form!
Round 6 – the male in the middle throws down – he lunges forward and twists his wings like canoe paddles. The bar has officially been raised…
The cow-boy on the right answers with an amazing extension of plumage.
Round 7 – the male on the right completely takes his rival to the left out of the competition. The male on the right is no longer watching the female, he is transfixed by the grace of his better…
Who won the dance-off? Well, I had to go to work, so I don’t know. They could still be up in the tree strutting their stuff.
Great commentary. You have to wonder if there are some females with no suitors? Or is this one so special?
I wondered the same – tonight she was gone and only two suitors remain.
What a great way to pass some time. I would have probably ended up late for work if I was you. It’s always fascinating watching birds courting. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Vicki – I was tempted. If I hadn’t needed to leave I would have played with my settings more.
When I saw the first photo of both birds looking up at the sky,
I wondered if the sky was finally falling.
But then, I looked at the rest of the photos and realized it was more than that. 🙂
LOL – thankfully the sky is still in place, although the girl and one of the fellas seem to have made an escape.
Good to see that, quite sensibly, the cowgirl remained away from all the action.
She’s the smart one of the bunch for sure!
A wonderful commentary. I’m sure one of these determined fellows will win the prize.
Time will tell – only two were left in the tree when I got home tonight – the girl was gone too. Perhaps they made their escape…
What fun. And how annoying that you had to go to work!
Don’t I know it – works should be optional on Tuesdays!
Oh no doubt they are still at it. haha. I love watcing birds at mating season, the boys certainly do get a workout, but not the kind they want to! Good stuff Lorri! 🙂
Thanks Jackie – They were hysterical to watch.
That’s quite a display. They’ve got the moves, don’t they?
Movers and shakers, they are…