Several weeks ago a pair of Chestnut-Backed Chickadees took over a nest
box under the eaves on our patio about four feet from a window. They
worked hard hauling in green moss to build a really beautiful nest...
100% moss. A week ago a pair of Violet-Green Swallows decided to oust the
Chickadees. Some really epic battles took place over a period of several
days, including one which had a swallow and a chickadee rolling about on
the deck with all manner of cries and wing flapping.

For several days, the Chickadees failed to show, leading us to believe
that the swallows had won. They show up each morning, poke around the
nest for a while, and then depart for the day. No nest building has
occurred.

This afternoon the Chickadees are back, both hauling in more moss,
working steadily for several hours. It will be interesting to see who
finally wins.

Any insights on this type of conflict?

Grant Hendrickson
Redmond, WA
grant at brigadoon.com