Swarovski 80HD Nikon CP995

Habitat	Monsal

Dipper

Cinclus cinclus 17-19cm

Dippers are relatively common on some of North Staffordshire's rivers. As their name suggests they will often perch on small rocks mid stream and dip their body every few seconds before disappearing underwater in a flash. Apparently Dippers are the only songbird with the ability to fly underwater.

These images were taken at Dovedale, where the river Dove forms the boundary line between Staffordshire and Derbyshire and Monsal Dale, near Bakewell in Derbyshire. I had seen Dippers at these locations before, often perching in mid stream right in front of picnickers, so I thought that a day trip with the digiscoping equipment would be in order. Dovedale in particular, is an excellent place to observe Dippers, as the high number of visitors to the dale has resulted in the Dippers becoming very tolerant of humans in close proximity.