One for the experts... kingfishers

So I went walking along the Dodder with the family, keeping an eye out for one of Keps' kingfishers...not much, until I thought I heard one calling. And then another...

Long story short, 2 kingfishers together playing some sort of cat and mouse race. Their call was more an alarm call than anything else. Theye went and came back a number of times chasing each other, hiding in bushes, etc. I had the camera with me but no even a slim chance to get a picture given the speed at which the action happened.

It didn't look like courtship and I think it would be way off season...could it be that they were fighting for the territory? I know there is at least one youngster in the area.

Keen to read expert's opinion.

In case anyone is curious about it, this was near the Luas bridget. Great to watch, and great photo opportunities if you have the speed, skill and a little bit of luck.