Dippers

Several young Dippers are currently being seen at Marsden between the Tunnel End pub and Eastergate Bridge (map). The birds will have moved down from the hills, away from their parents' territories, and be looking for suitable stretches of river to sustain them during the winter months. The scaly plumage is the best way of telling them apart from the adults.

These are two of three birds I encountered on a half hour walk and both were remarkably confiding. The adults are generally difficult to get close to but these youngsters were quite happy to sit and pose even where the river wasn't very wide - I shall certainly be giving them another go in better weather.