Air war, over the creek

 Two male grackles, quarreling over territory in mating season, were oblivious that their aerial combat had carried them over Zarzamora Creek until one drove the other out of the air and into the water.

The defeated bird wasn’t immersed. But it was close. His head stayed above water. He rose, flustered and fluttering, but flew back to land.

I’ve watched birds for many years. But I’d never seen that.