I had been told there was a dipper’s nest under the highway bridge over a local creek. But, when I searched, I could not find it. That is, until a dipper showed me where to look.
Usually when a dipper catches something edible, it downs it quickly. This time, it did not. Obviously, the food was destined for its chick. I then watched the bird fly up under the bridge, and so finally knew where to look for the nest.
The nest was unexpectedly big and had a hole in its side. While one could not get close to it—to try to do so would be to risk drowning in the raging creek—with binoculars, one could make out the bill of a chick in that opening.
The adult flew back with more food.
And delivered it to the chick.
Those are great photos and a great find, Alistair-
Joanne
Slyly and wisely, you mention a generic bridge over a generic creek!
Margo, chuckle, yes I did. However, close access to that nest is limited to those who, like the dipper, have wings.