Is this a Mating Ritual or an Attempt to Remove an Intruder? (Birds in B&W)

AlwaysBirding

I do not know the answer. Two Ospreys were busy building a nest on the nearby cell tower when suddenly a third Osprey landed on the tower. All three birds were in the air, and the pursuit of this bird began.

The black and white photo removes the blue sky and draws one’s eyes to the white areas of the bird contrasting with the darker colors. This photo also emphasizes one Osprey with its talons out for a possible encounter with the other bird that has tipped sideways to protect itself.

This photo only causes one to wonder did they ever come in contact each other? How long did this encounter continue? Is it a mating ritual or trying to remove an intruder?

Heading to the Nesting Site (Birds in B&W)

A Scrimmage Between Swans (Birds in B&W)