Hummingbirds Duel at Lightning-Fast Speed, Jousting in the Air—Here Are the Photos

Hummingbirds skirmish over access to a bird feeder on Craig Emmerich's acreage near Minneapolis in late August. Courtesy of Craig Emmerich

The airspace within photographer Craig Emmerich’s back 40 acres has turned into something of a battle zone this summer, as migrating hummingbirds have been spectacularly dueling over access to his bird feeders.

Acting quickly, the homeowner, who lives in western Wisconsin just outside Minneapolis, managed to capture on camera some of their lightning-fast parries and counter-ripostes.