Dipper

Thanks to RockArea yesterday who put me right on the identity of the bird I saw, despite my song bird app telling me otherwise.

I visited the Peak District today and in particular Lathkill Dale, somewhere I last visited some years ago, walking through the valley on part of a trek with my walking partner. On that occasion we saw two ladies, photographing a dipper, who had nested at the side of a waterfall. I was hoping that I would be able to capture some images of this lovely little bird.

I had a memory of where I needed to go, so headed to Over Haddon to park. I walked down a steep lane to the river, only to find it completely dried up! I had a memory of wide sections of river, held back by weirs, so was surprised, despite the lack of rain. I kept walking and soon found some area where the water was still running, and after a mile or so came across the waterfall. Sadly, no dippers, though the grey wagtail was in abundance.

I waited patiently, but no sign of the elusive dippers. I still hadn't seen the weirs and water held back so asked some walkers. Despite my memory associating the waterfall and weirs, they were not in the same section and I had to walk back and in the other direction from where I had parked.

Finally, 2 miles later I came across the weirs and an abundance of water fowl, including coots, ducks, geese and the like. Still no dippers. I was approached by a gentleman who was asking about the area, saying that he had not been to the dale for some 60 years. Although I was unable to help him with much information, I did notice some movement in the water and finally I got sight of a dipper. This chap fed from the branch in the water, flying nearby and diving to catch food, I was chuffed to finally see one, despite it not acting in the normal fashion that gives it the name.

I did see some other birds, but I'm wary of saying what they were, though I do think that the one in the extra may be a juvenile robin.