My early start paid real dividends this morning and by 9.05 I had enjoyed all the protagonists at the nest site including my first fly-by Kingfisher since I started this project, I had been wondering why I hadn't seen one yet. The most interesting occurrence of the day was the arrival of the male dipper who landed on his favoured boulder as normal. What he didn't know was that the Grey Wagtail male was up in the nest. He quickly exited the nest followed by the Wagtail. I wouldn't say that there was conflict at all, just a surprise for the Dipper. It wasn't long before he returned and then he was joined by the female and he displayed to her (see photo) as she landed.
There was lots of activity from a pair of Grey Wagtails, and their breeding activity is really ramping up and they seem to be constantly chasing and displaying. As yet I haven't seen them carrying any nesting material, but I am certain that will happen very soon. At the end of the morning the female Diper arrived and immediately began to pluck moss from the favourite boulder. I expected her to take it up to the nest but oddly she flew downstream with it. Very strange behaviour, either thee is another nest or this is a distraction/devensive ploy. I hope the later is the case. It would be odd I am sure if they were both coming and going to this nest but building another nest nearby. I am sure that I will find out sooner or later.