Everyone loves a dipper, right? And better still, two dippers! I thought we were well overdue a cracking bird pic for photo of the week, and this shot sent in by Nature's Home reader Trevor Hupton does the job nicely. Thanks Trevor!
The one on the right looks like it's just said something secretive to the other, worried it's been overheard - I wonder what dippers talk about? (Photo: Trevor Hupton)
Dippers typically live by fast flowing rivers in upland areas, but can be found by lowland rivers in South West England. They eat insect larvae and freshwater shrimp. Their scientific name, Cinclus cinclus, is derived from the Greek "Kinklos", mentioned by Aristotle and other authors most likely in reference to a wagtail rather than a dipper, and means either "small waterside bird" or "tail-wagging bird". Their short and stout physique makes them perfectly suited to diving into water from a partially submerged stone and swimming briefly, or walking into the fast flowing river and tramping around on the riverbed. Isn't it just incredible that such a small bird can fight against strong river currents in this way? Look out for their droppings on stones breaking the surface of the water.
Find out more about dippers.
I hope you see a dipper this weekend - have a good one.
Jack