Just returned from an unusually interesting time with the Oland Road Dickcissels. Both males were highly visible & singing. However, after about 15 minutes watching this delightful scene, things took a decidedly kinky turn when one of the males tried to copulate with the other. The male made all the right moves. He appoached from above & behind, wings beating to maintain midair suspension, body jabbing. Meanwhile, the male/female perched on top of a tall thistle plant & stayed put with tail raised high. The birds repeated this action on two different thistle plants over a period 5 or 6 minutes. Any explanation for this behavior? Gail Frantz Reisterstown, MD