Tweeters,

The subtitle for today's monthly JBLM bird walk might be: "Showdown at the
15th Green" or "Duke-out on the Links." That's because, as we were leaving
Hodge Lake after celebrating registering our 100th species (GREEN-WINGED
TEAL) since inception of this birding walk, we spotted a large, dark,
Columbian black-tailed deer buck (Buck #1) walking rather oddly behind the
15th green: head down, throat inflated, and really looking as if it was
attempting to make itself more intimidating. Almost immediately, a lighter
buck (Buck #2) came in toward Buck #1; and then they circled each other very
briefly, puffing up, and both with heads down. They faced off and then
charged, locking horns (which we could hear easily from where we stood), and
pushing each other around. At this point, all of us thought Buck #1 had the
duke-out sewn up because it was pushing Buck #2 around fairly easily (it
seemed). Soon, both deer were on the edge of the 15th green, pretty much
tearing up the green as they struggled to stand each other's ground while
getting pushed by the other. (I can bet the course supervisor will have a
fit when he sees the green!) Finally, after about 2-3 minutes of intense
fighting, Buck #2 got the upper hand (antler) and Buck #1 turned tail. The
last we saw of them, Buck #2 was in hot pursuit of Buck #1. We agreed that
outside of nature shows, etc., none of us had seen deer fight like this for
this length of time. Pretty cool sighting for us to have while at Eagles
Pride birding!



Back to birds: The 100th species was a big deal for our group: and it took
us a bit of time (thanks for double-checking, Nathanael!) to positively ID
the two distant female Green-winged Teal at Hodge Lake. The fact that a
PIED-BILLED GREBE was feeding quite close to them gave us a better
perspective on size.



Of the 34 species sighted today, many were the usual wintering suspects:
CACKLING and CANADA GOOSE, MALLARD, PIED-BILLED GREBE, RED-TAILED HAWK,
BLACK-CAPPED and CHESTNUT-BACK CHICKADEE, etc. However, some new ones showed
up for the first time this season, including VARIED THRUSH, and some with
higher numbers since last month: BUSHTIT (20), PACIFIC WREN (16),
GOLDEN-CROWNED KINGLET (31), FOX SPARROW (4), GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROW (27),
and DARK-EYED JUNCO (68).



More unusual sightings include two GREAT BLUE HERONS, two HOODED MERGANSERS,
two COMMON RAVENS, and seven BAND-TAILED PIGEONS.



We're hoping that as more ducks come in to the water holes on the course,
we'll be able to spot some new birds that like Eagles Pride as much as we
do.



The JBLM Eagles Pride GC birders meet the third Thursday of each month at
8:00AM. Starting point is Bldg # 1514, Driving Range Tee, Eagles Pride Golf
Course, I-5 Exit 116, Mounts Road Exit. Upcoming walks include the
following:

. November 19

. December 17

. January 21

Anyone is welcome to join us!



May all your birds be identified,



Denis DeSilvis

Roy, WA

avnacrs4birds at outlook dot com