Our resident male (LJ2) returned on 10 April and visited the nest but didn't seem to put up much of a challenge, so we thought that our resident female (372) and a visiting male (ringed 416) would be the breeding pair at Llyn Brenig this season. How wrong we were...

On the 18 April LJ2 came back to the nest to claim back HIS nest with a vengeance.  Firstly dealing with 416, chasing him off the nest and displaying flying skills and aerial acrobatics that a Red Arrows pilot would envy. He quite easily displaced 416 who didn't really put up much of a fight, despite the fact that he is younger and larger. LJ2 then set about reclaiming his nest, physically removing 372 from the nest and beginning the process of 'cupping' (scraping the bottom of the nest to prepare for eggs). 372 had already laid three eggs with 416 and, in the process of cupping, LJ2 ejected these from the nest.

We watched on in fascination. What would happen now? So much uncertainty and drama was unfolding before our eyes; watching the scopes, binoculars in hand at the lookout and monitoring the live feed on YouTube. Anticipation built as the next episode of "Nestenders" played out on the screen. Would LJ2 and 372 now pair up, and would 372 lay any more eggs? Would 416 come back and make another challenge for the nest? 

LJ2 and 372 steadily began to re-establish their bond from last season and no real challenge from 416 materialised. They began to mate and 372 laid another two eggs, bringing this year's total to five. With the last one laid on 30 April, it's unlikely that she will lay any more eggs now.

Things seem to have settled down and the bond between LJ2 and 372 is cemented, with two eggs laid and the happy couple taking it in turns to incubate and sharing the fishing duties.

All is calm at Llyn Brenig, for now...