Water Ouzel - American Dipper - a Secret, solitary bird.

Yesterday afternoon I drove to Chester Dam for some birding and photography.  As the sun was setting, I noticed a small grayish black bird diving and surfacing is the dimming light.  I recognized the antiques of the Water Ouzel or American Dipper, John Muir's favorite bird.  The pictures are not as good as I would like but they show the secretive bird that feeds and plays in water when the air temperature is below zero.  I will search for this bird duirng the day for some better pictures.

The Water Ouzel usually spends its time in swift clear running water in the high mountains, but is forced down to the lowlands during the winter.  It is an indicator species requiring pure water with insect larvae to survive.


Its specialized body is covered with extremely thick feathers and have oil sacks at the base of their tail which they use to to coat their feathers with the oil.  This protects the skin from the freezing water and air temperatures.

They dive for their food, even swimming or flying under water to catch some of their food.  They have a membrane that is pulled over the eyes while under water.  Scales also close the nostrils as they search for food under the water.  Here the bird searches for food by putting its head under water before diving.

Here the water Ouzel dives after locating some food on the bottom.

Here it surfaces head first after being under water for about a minute.

Walking back to the shallow water, the American Dipper surveys the water before another dive.

The evening is capped off by the temperature dropping below zero and the fading light baithing the Teton Peaks in a beautiful alpen glow.

 

Just another ordinary day experience in the wildness of Idaho.  I hope you enjoy this interesting little bird.  When I find it again and I get better pictures, I will share them with you.