On my way to “Clean Eats” the other day I stopped to glance over the wall at the beck below and was delighted to see a dipper. I have often seen this little bird in the River Wharfe but was a bit surprised to see one there.

It’s quite distinctive with its flash of white breast and bobbing up and down movement. It has the unique ability to walk under water on riverbeds in search of aquatic insects like caddis and mayfly larvae.

It is generally considered to be a good indicator of a good quality river eco system (a bit like the canary in the coal mine) so it is reassuring to think that our little beck is a healthy one.

Over the last 30 years there has been a decline in the numbers

so I’m hoping that maybe it’s nesting nearby, perhaps in a stone wall or a crevice below a bridge. Watch out for it as you go for your cup of coffee.

Barbara Kipling

You can find out more about Dippers on the RSPB website.

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