A little bird-watching story.
Ah, the elusive Water Ouzel,
aka the American Dipper. Rarely do they still long enough to photograph. Not
much contrast either, as their color is the same color as the rock they are
typically standing on.
 | |
| Dipper |
For years now, Rich and I have
tried to spot an Ouzel nest. But they are always located somewhere inaccessible, like a hole high up in a rock. Or you see them fly to a nest area
that is across the river, with no path to get there. And if you try to take a picture all the way across the river, the Ouzel appears about the size of an ant. Not to mention, it turns out looking more like a small rock projection than a bird.
But today, it finally happened! The long awaited moment
arrives, and we feel blessed. We spotted a nest.
Rich and I sat for a long,
long time, patiently waiting for the Ouzels to arrive and feed their
young. Waiting for a few decent photos. Waiting for a chance to make an interesting
video. Long enough to need to stand up occasionally and walk around
to get some circulation in your butt.
And at last, our patience is rewarded, and the Ouzels arrive. The female is not
concerned at all by our presence. She flies straight to the nest, feeding
frenzy, then flies off. The male is very shy. A
bonus for us. He hangs near to the nest area, creeping a bit closer
over time, maybe 10 minutes before feeling safe to feed its young.
The bonus is, he sits still long enough to photograph and video!
(The picture and video are of our Ouzel nest viewing at Natural Bridge
along the Rouge River! Enjoy!)
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