Guess what I saw today! The dippers on the river courting! Had a close encounter with one dipper who landed on the river bank maybe 10-15 feet away and then just a bit further along I saw (probably one of the same dippers) a male dipper singing to a female who flew backwards and forwards, it didn't get passed the singing stage as the female headed further up river where I saw her doing a spot of foraging where the river flowed a bit faster. Hopefully the two will get together and there will soon be a nest with eggs on the river bank!
To John - they seem to be getting a lot more confident now so probably some good photo opportunities will be available with them with time and patience, I'll take my camera down to the river myself when I have a chance to see if I can get any good photos of them. They seem to be spending most of the time in the stretch of river running through the park at the moment.
Millie & Fly the Border Collies
Hi Kat, how exciting, oohhh lots of little baby Dippers, they are gorgeous little birds aren't they, I bet thats made your day, can't wait to see the photo's.
There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.
Hi Kat
Wow. you are so lucky. I really look forward to seeing pictures of the Dippers
So pleased that you have had the opportunity of seeing Dippers. I have seen Dippers a few times in Scotland over the years {big smile}
Dippers are larger than some birds, and that distinguished brown and white marking makes them unmistakable to ID as a species.
Their continual bobbing up and down using their legs looks so tiring. Imagine us bending our legs at the knees all day long - tiring to say the least.
If they are a pair all the better for seeing a family.
All the better for a few more pictures of the birds through the different stages of raising a family.
I am sure that this is going to be a busy thread, Kat {thumbs up}
Regards
Kathy and Dave
What a lovely thing to see, Kat. I do hope you get some photos next time.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Good news Kat. Look forward to seeing any photographs and your reports.
That's fantastic Kat!! Really looking forward to some pics! Dippers are such charismatic birds!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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This morning wasn't a fluke! Taking the dog for her evening walk a dipper landed close by once again so their confidence is certainly up, they aren't sulking by the river banks any more lol Just as well because the park is a pretty busy place so they have to get used to people and dogs! I could hear them flying along the river (was a bit too dark to spot them though).
What a lovely start and end to the day!
Sounds like a great time there! thanks for the update too. It is noted on my map and soon I will make the trip. If they come that close Wow! I hope I keep calm enough to get the right shots,
John :-)
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Unknown said: Sounds like a great time there! thanks for the update too. It is noted on my map and soon I will make the trip. If they come that close Wow! I hope I keep calm enough to get the right shots, John :-)
I'm sure if you sat in the same place long enough they'd eventually show up. Most of the time they seem to be on the other bank though but at the concrete bit straight passed the kids play area was where they came really close and sat on the rock that my dog usually stands on when she's going for a swim!
^ Photo I got yesterday, dipper wasn't coming very close that day!
Well done and many this be the start of many more pictures of the Dipper
I am sure the bird will get used to you and then your pictures will only become easier to come by.
As mentioned you will get used to the Dippers habits, and where they like to be at certain times of the day.
Cannot wait to see more of your pictures
KatTai said: Sounds like a great time there! thanks for the update too. It is noted on my map and soon I will make the trip. If they come that close Wow! I hope I keep calm enough to get the right shots, John :-)
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