Red-winged blackbird defends its home against an invader

Taken late one evening during our recent visit to Ridgway State Park. We were watching some deer in the field below our campsite when suddenly there was a bit of action.

Apparently some nesting red-winged blackbirds did not take kindly to the deer grazing near their home. The male blackbird was quite aggressive defending its territory, constantly dive-bombing the deer.

Here, one young deer walks through, focused on the female blackbird. Little did it know that the male was approaching from behind. A quick hit on the rump from the bird sent the deer running.

Not the best pictures given it was after sunset and minimal light but a fun bit of action to see.