Yesterday I photographed another lifer! An American Dipper with prey at Cascade Springs above the Heber Valley of Utah. I went looking for a juvenile Saw-whet Owl that people had seen and reported the day before and got sidetracked by the only aquatic North American Songbird.
American Dipper and prey – Nikon D7100, handheld, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 321mm, natural light
American Dippers actually swim under water using their wings to find their prey in fast moving streams with rocks and logs in them. They can even walk on the streambed under the water.
They truly are songbirds and their song is quite beautiful, it can be heard here.
This image was taken with my new Nikon D7100 on day two of using it and I am enjoying it so far. My D300 has been acting up and I have grown 3,514 new gray hairs waiting for Nikon to come out with the D400 (or possible D9300). Maybe it is only 1,727 new gray hairs, I haven’t had time to stop and count them.
Most of the time the dipper stayed in the shade but for a few brief moments it perched on a rock in the rushing water in bright sunlight. Of course I had some green vegetation that was in front of the dipper’s tail and part of its wing. Hopefully the next time I photograph an American Dipper I will be better prepared and my heart won’t nearly jump out of my chest from excitement.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Dipper photos plus facts and information about this species.
The old SLRs were so much more reliable but the new digital cameras can do so much more. Like all these automobile recalls, the more complicated they get, the more likely a breakdown. Wonderful image of a pretty amazing bird I hope to see someday.
Aren’t they fun to watch. Your new camera and you are doing awesome shots!
Delightful bird – and call. Thank you.
How fantastic is that? A new camera and a new bird! Saw one of these by mistake (we were looking at wild flowers). Fascinating to watch them go under and stay under. I like how it is stillcovered in water with all the splashes..
Nice photo! Love to watch and photograph these birds. We have them in CA.
Beautiful photo, Mia!
Lucky you! Sometimes it just makes one happy to get a picture, no matter if it isn’t just right.
Excellent photography Mia, you must have been excited.
Nice Mia! Someday I hope to cross paths with this beautiful bird too! Thanks for sharing!