Good morning,
 
This morning my husband and I watched from our back porch as two beautiful male flickers landed high on a dead snag and danced in the sunlight for territory.   I heard the calls as both arrived together on the white perch already riddled with woodpecker holes.
 
They planted their bodies a few inches apart, pointed beaks skyward, and dueled by bobbing their necks from one side of their rival to the other, like those air kisses on each side of the cheek that don't actually land.   Only these weren't friendly greetings.   
 
The action lasted for over twenty minutes. Then the smaller of the two flickers finally backed down the limb and flew off.  The winner of the dead tree duel then made several loud calls to announce his victory to any and all. 
 
Dorothy Paugh
Bowie, MD