Friday, March 09, 2012

Dipper Time

Thought I would post a few more Dipper images taken during my lunch hour sessions before I was 'struck down' (see previous post). The photos in this post were taken over the two brief sessions.
I really love these birds and can never tire of watching them dive into and hunting through shallow areas of streams for food.
It always raises a smile when I spot one of these birds gently bobbing up and down (from which they get their name) while perched on a large boulder with rushing water all around.

During my initial search for these fascinating birds I had managed to locate a pair in the upstream reaches of the stream, although one of these had a badly infected foot which from a photographic point of view did not look great. I had also briefly encountered a single bird on one occasion about half a mile downstream. During these two sessions, I managed to locate a second pair of birds that had started to build a nest below a foot bridge.
I suspect that this pair included the one I had previously seen downstream. It was good to have located a definite nesting site as it would allow me to concentrate my efforts in a more defined area for future sessions. Unfortunately just as a plan has come together they have had to be put on hold due to my unexpected illness.
I suspected given the very slow progress on recovery of my health will probably now leave it too late to return to the Dippers. By the time I get to revisit I suspect the leaves will have emerged on the bank side trees of this woodland stream and plunged it in to darkness, making any photography near impossible.
If that should be the case then there is always next year :)

10 comments:

Cath Wilson said...

Absolutely stunning photos. I know how difficult these birds are to photograph but you've captured their beauty and all the interest so perfectly. Hope you're feeling a little better by now.

Jenny said...

Superb images, as always! I love the one where the bird is looking under water. You were the one who first showed me an image of a dipper's nest in an earlier post, pure magic! I hope you feel much better soon.

Wiesław Zięba said...

Piękna sesja fotograficzna.

Unknown said...

Rich, fabulous images! The action of the water is quite interesting.
Glad you're back at it!
Cheers

Angad Achappa said...

These are fantastic Sir!! Loved them all. My fav would be the one with the water splashing all around...

Millhouse Photography said...

Hi Richard

These images are beautiful and it's the stunning colours in the water that really makes them.

Very nice indeed.

JOHN SHORTLAND, Cotswold Hills, England. said...

I've always had problems photographing dippers but assumed it was just my lack of skill. Now that you have said that you will find it near impossible when the trees are in leaf gives me new hope!

Trust you are still recovering well and will soon be back out in the field.

Johnson

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Dippers are just outrageously beautiful birds and your images are all absolutely stunning representations of their gorgeous selevs;)

Rich Steel said...

Thanks for your replies which are appreciated as always. The main problem with photographing these I find is exposure of that white breast. Despite being incredibly bright it is still quite easy to walk right past these birds.

Cheers

Rich

Stefani Mazzei said...

great series
I also love this bird
well done

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