For Sandi!
That same afternoon where I listend to Daniel’s fabulous cello music in Lithia Park, I had another unexpected encounter along one of the walking paths. Strolling south along Ashland Creek, I crossed the creek on one of the wooden bridges. Just past the pavillion I stepped a little closer toward the edge of the creek. I scanned over some rocks near the creek bank, when I noticed a tiny bird bobbing up and down between the water and rocks. The rhythmic movement reminded me of the Energizer bunny. Carefully I moved a little closer to get a better look at this little grey bird.
I wasn’t 100% sure what I was looking at and thought that my friend Sandi would have surely identified it right on the spot! Later I googled it and realized that I had been very lucky to spot this bird right there in town. American dippers usually live along fast-flowing, cold mountain streams at higher elevations. They bob up and down on rocks and swim underwater in strong currents by using their wings. They feed mostly on aquatic insects caught in and out of the water.
The American Dipper weighs about 1 1/2 ounces and measures around 6 1/2 inches.
Dippers have an extra eyelid to help it see underwater and scales to close their nostrils!
How about that!!
This was my first time spotting an American Dipper!
And I think the very best part of it was that it happened in Ashland!
It really is one of my very favorite places on the planet!
🙂
in cahoots with muddy boots 
Brave creature…and your photos are lovely Sabine!
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Thank you, Arlene! 🙋
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Extra eyelids! Wow!
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I too was surprised to find out about the extra eyelids!
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So cool about the extra eyelids and the scales on Dippers! Nature is amazing! 🙂
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I think so too! 😊
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He looked like he was having a grand time on the rock! Fun!
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Indeed!
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He made it look like easy and fun didn’t he? The double eyelids is fascinating.
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Yes, I agree with the eyelids. I wasn’t aware of those until I did a little research on dippers. I’m amazed at the strength of this little bird!
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Me too – you could see how much he was enjoying himself.
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What a beautiful afternoon! And as always fabulous photographic coverage of this special time. I want to go there tomorrow!😎
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You get some incredible shots and I love the little videos of this bird. Such a peaceful scene. I could sit and watch it all day.
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Thanks Marlene! I did enjoy that moment along the creek.
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