Sandhill Cranes Leaping Combat Sequence, January 2018

Two adult Cranes square off in an arial dominance display; the following 7 images represent a leaping combat sequence that I observed and photographed at Bernardo Wildlife Management Area in New Mexico.

Sandhill Cranes Combat Sequence
Crowded feeding grounds lead to foraging squabbles and territorial disputes that culminate in acrobatic leaping and kicking contests. Two adult Cranes initiate a dominance contest via raucous trumpeting and posturing.
Sandhill Cranes Combat Sequence
The dispute commences with an aggressive trumpeting attack.
Sandhill Cranes Combat Sequence
Their brief seconds in duration kick boxing bout begins.
Sandhill Cranes Combat Sequence
Sandhill Cranes Combat Sequence
I can only imagine that the winner is decided while the duo is in the air.
Sandhill Cranes Combat Sequence
Sandhill Cranes Combat Sequence