A Whooping Crane family of three approaches another feeding family of three (on the right).  The Male lowers his head in defiance...acknowledging the threat.  The line has been crossed.  A challenge is made to protect both family and territory.

All of the adults begin to whoop.  Whooping Cranes prefer to maintain a full square-mile of territory while feeding.  It is obvious that the families are too close for comfort and that somebody has got to go! The males position themselves.  The challenge is accepted and I await with Captain Tommy Moore aboard the "Skimmer" along the crab-rich shoreline on the back bays of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, in theTexas Intracoastal Waterway.

A stare-down ensues...lasting several minutes.  Captain Moore positions the "Skimmer" as we watch the territorial dispute unfold over nearly one hour.  The Texas Gulf Coast is a birding mecca and the endangered Whooping Cranes return to Aransas each and every year. This year, the Texas Whooper population reached 237.  Back in 1941, only 15 of the majestic creatures existed in the world!

Nose to nose, the stare-down continues.  The male on the right appears to be slightly taller than his 5-foot challenger.  The Whoopers have found a nice feeding location rich with Blue and Stone Crab.  It is this diet which provides the nutrition needed for the 2600-mile return flight to Wood Buffalo National Park in Northern Alberta at the Northwest Territories border.  They return each year, in April, to their Canadian mating grounds.

The Whooper on the right explodes first.  Bounding out of the shallow water, he delivers a swift left hook which ruffles the neck feathers of his rival.  The Crane's 7-and-a-half-foot wingspan is an awesome sight to see. The Whooping Crane is basically a passive creature.   It is not their inclination to expend unnecessary energy but family protection, territorial feeding and "pride" are of utmost importance. The female on the left ducks for cover!

Both spring out of the water with full extensions of their huge wingspans.  Their long, powerful legs and feet jab, claw and push at one another.  Attaining a higher position than one's opponent allows for kicks to the chest and mid-section.   Like professional boxers, it is vital for these creatures to maintain balance and position.

The Whooper on the left connects with several good strikes and begins to dominate.  The Whooper on the right steps back and is unable to retain balance.  Their female partners keep a watchful eye on the confrontation as the first-year offspring are educated.

Leaping high into the air.  The Whooper on the left persists, maintaining balance and prolonging domination.   Those aboard the "Skimmer" remain quietly glued to the exhibition of natural beauty before our eyes.

Out-battled and tiring, the Whooper on the right begins to back-off and utilizes  wing-strength to allow him to stay upright and afoot. If Howard Cosell were alive today, he'd be contemplating the words, "Down goes Frazier...Down goes Frazier." The doubt is soon removed.   The debate is quickly settled.

Coup de grace... Triumphant and Eagle-like, the Whooper on the left overwhelms his rival. He displays a victory pose resembling a Bruce Lee movie poster as he drives the other family out of the area. Follow this link to Images of Birdlife to see the Whooping Crane family of three flying off in retreat. The display of behavior was magnificent, thrilling and unforgettable.  The Whooping Crane is precious and unique.  Its migratory habits and confrontation with the brink of extinction are realities of the wild and amazingly wonderful phenomenons of nature.    Long live the glorious Whooping Crane!!!   "These are the absolute best pictures on your web site that I've ever seen of a territorial Whooping Crane dispute, and this is my 25th year involved with Whooping Crane recovery." Tom Stehn Whooping Crane Coordinator Aransas National Wildlife Refuge,  TX March 10, 2007 Captain Tommy Moore operates Rockport Birding and Kayak Adventures out of Fulton Harbor.  The shallow draft of his "Skimmer" allows serious birders and other nature enthusiasts to get as close as safely possible to their subjects of interest. www.RockportAdventures.com