How — and why — one swan family faced a challenge for territory on an Irish estuary

‘Might is right’ rules throughout the animal kingdom. Possession is nine-tenths of the law, it is said. The principle has no legal status but it does apply to swans — the sitting territory-holder usually manages to see off challengers

Richard Collins: "Swan disputes over territory usually arise towards the end of winter or early spring, as the new season looms and the scramble for territories is fiercest."

And two by two like cat and mouse the homeless played at keeping house — W H Auden

The housing shortage is not confined to people. Wild creatures experience it also.