Durham Bird Club at 50
The county avifauna, The Birds of Durham (Bowey and Newsome, 2012) records that “A public meeting in late 1974 at Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery to discuss bird watching and recording was well-attended. This was followed on 8 January 1975 by another meeting and enrolment for membership of the Durham Bird Club began shortly afterwards.”
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We shall be organising various projects and events during the year to commemorate this special anniversary. These include a "Bird of the Week" feature, appearing below.
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Bird of the Week - Week 4
Dipper – A River’s Hidden Gem
​​(Photo by Mark Harper)​​​
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The Dipper might not grab your attention at first glance, but once you notice this small, round bird bobbing along the rocks, usually, of a fast-flowing stream, it’s hard to look away. With its dark chocolate-brown plumage, white bib, and habit of dipping up and down on its sturdy legs, the Dipper is one of our County’s most engaging residents.
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What sets Dippers apart from other passerines is their unusual ability to hunt underwater. They dive straight into, often, icy and turbulent, rivers and streams, walking along the riverbed in search of aquatic insects and larvae. Watching a Dipper disappear beneath the water’s surface and then pop back up like a cork is one of nature’s simple joys.
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Dippers are a sign of healthy rivers, and County Durham is lucky to have them along many of streams and rivers including the Wear, Tees, Derwent and all of their many tributaries. If you’re out walking by the water, keep an eye out for their low, fast flight or listen for their sharp “zit-zit” call as they patrol their territory. With a little patience, you’ll have a good chance to spot their nests tucked into riverbanks, rock cavities or under old bridges.
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Have you had the chance to watch a Dipper at work this year? If you haven’t, now’s the perfect time to explore our rivers and streams to see these smart, entertaining birds for yourself.
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Let us know if you spot one - it might just become your new favourite bird!​
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E-mail: durhambirdclub@gmail.com
Social media tags: #DurhamBirdClub #DBC #DBCat50 #Durham #Birding
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