Bird bath cleaning day is a popular day among my feathered friends. Fresh water is always a hit but even more so now since we’re about 6” behind on rainfall for the year.

Members of a dozen species make up my “regulars” – crows, mockingbirds, jays, cardinals, and grackles, as well as two types each of black-birds, woodpeckers, doves, and parrots.

It should surprise no one that the smallest bird of my crew is also the most territorial. Earlier today, my camera caught this scene of a relentless mocker vociferously dive bombing a thirsty crow. The corvid withstood multiple passes before finally ceding the watering hole.

A few minutes later the crow returned, but this time with a lookout. They took turns drinking while the other maintained a wary eye on the sky. Where there’s a will, there’s a way…