Dipper with Mayflies

Dipper with Mayflies. An adult white-throated Dipper with a beak full of mayflies returning to the nest, Derbyshire dales. Peak District National Park.

Dipper with Mayflies : More About the Dipper:

Dippers, named after the way they dip up and down when perched, have evolved an incredible fishing technique allowing them to hunt underwater. Submerging themselves they can walk along the bottom of fast flowing rivers and streams using their outstretched wings to stabilise themselves against the strong currents. This unique ability makes it possible for them to hunt insects and small fish underwater for up to 30 seconds!

Although the dipper isn’t the most striking bird, taken out of context they could easily be mistaken as a garden bird, they are incredibly charismatic seen bobbing up and down the fast flowing rivers of the Derbyshire Dales.

Find more about the dipper here.