Dippers in Dovedale, 21st September 2021

A trip to The Peak District for a few days and whilst not a birding holiday I was very keen to try and photograph Dippers. We stayed in a lovely cottage in Wirksworth, close to Carsington Water and if anyone is interested I can give you the contact details. On our second day we agreed on a trip to Dovedale to walk up the valley. Whilst I knew Dippers are seen there I was a bit unsure as it can be a busy area. Shortly after passing the famous stepping stones we encountered another typical bird of fast flowing rivers, Grey Wagtail. Always a delight to photograph.

And then, a couple of hundred yards further on was a quick movement and a flash of white behind a rock. A couple of seconds later my initial thoughts were confirmed and a Dipper on the far bank. It was quite dark in the valley bottom even though it was a sunny day so I had to use a high ISO but reasonably satisfied with the results.

And then it was gone!

Further up the valley I spotted another which was having a rest on a rock.

A magical bird in a wonderful location! Must go back in Spring/Summer for Redstarts, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel etc.