The dippers were still 'together' today on Black Brook. Not singing, not feeding, not preening - just sitting. One on a rock by the water's edge staring at the other on a rock in the middle of the stream. The latter was blissfully ignoring the stares, or was she? I did notice a couple of sly sideways glances.... The grey wagtails were much more together, flying around as a pair.
Up on the moor the birds were keeping undercover sheltering from the wind and snow. But I enjoyed the exhilaration of the elements.And what a treat on my return to White Coppice: several very clear views of a good-sized weasel carrying a small rodent. It's long, upright neck was constantly looking out for me. I had to hide several times so I could see it.
Photo of dipper copied from www.wildliferanger.com
Weasel copied from http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk
9 comments:
Love dippers Carol - they should arrive on our beck any day.
Love weasels too - pity they are such fierce hunters though - I once saw one with its teeth in the neck of a young rabbit - I can still hear that rabbit's scream.
I love dippers too, we get a surprising number of them in Edinburgh.
I've only once seen a weasel, on the hunt on Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh.
HI Carol
I've tagged you with a meme about influential writers, you can find out more on my blog, if you want to play along!
Good to see the close-up shot of the dipper: I had not realized just how brown the head was. We see them in the Neath Valley.
What subtle colours on the dipper - and you can see the edge of the feathers so clearly.
The weasel looks rather fierce!
Perhaps Mistress Dipper is just playing hard to get, or maybe Master Dipper has got his timing wrong. But don't you think there is at least a small possibility that it's a classic case of 'omne animal post coitum triste est'?
DM
We have a boogle of weasels in the drystone wall outside my study window. I once saw a Mum weasel followed by the kits who were holding each other's tails.
They look cute but they are really horrible in their hunting habits.
Me again Carol. If you get a chance could you go over to my blog "Coffee spoon anyone" and look at Poet in Residence's comment (I think he has left several as we had a conversation!) He asks a question about something in Clitheroe church and I told him you might know as it is in your part of the world.
Hi All,
Thanks for you comments - always motivating to get some comments.
CGP - I'm working on the influential writers - it's a fluid list....
DM - you could be right. I haven't had time to check on them this weekend but, as you posted before, time will tell.
Pat - being able to watch a family of weasels from your window - how fascinating. And I'm a tad envious!
Weaver - have now posted something on your blog.
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