A pair of American Avocets foraging in the shallow waters of Lake Ray Hubbard in Garland, Texas. At one point a Black-necked Stilt intrudes on their activities, and the avocets quickly chase the stilt away.

Wikipedia has this to say about American Avocets:

The breeding habitat is marshes, beaches, prairie ponds, and shallow lakes in the mid-west and on the Pacific coast of North America. American avocets form breeding colonies numbering dozens of pairs. When breeding is over the birds gather in large flocks, sometimes including hundreds of birds. Nesting occurs near water, usually on small islands or boggy shorelines where access by predators is difficult. The female lays four eggs in a saucer-shaped nest, and both sexes take turns incubating them. Upon hatching, the chicks feed themselves; they are never fed by their parents.

American Avocet - Protective

American Avocet - Protective

American Avocet - Protective

American Avocet - Protective

American Avocet - Protective

americanavocet-protective-006American Avocet - Protective

American Avocet - Protective

Here an American Avocet takes notice of the Black-necked Stilt's intrusion.
Here an American Avocet takes notice of the Black-necked Stilt’s intrusion.
He quickly engages the Black-necked Stilt...
He quickly engages the Black-necked Stilt…
...and then aggressively attempts to drive him away.
…and then aggressively attempts to drive him away.
The stilt beats a hasty retreat.
The stilt beats a hasty retreat.
Female avocet and feeding grounds successfully protected.
Female avocet and feeding grounds successfully protected.

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