The fast flowing Depdon Burn bubbling under the Iron Bridge is a perfect habitat for Dippers. Look wherever there are small areas of rapids flowing between rocks (there are many of these along the burn). Dippers are unmistakable birds, dark brown, with a bright white chest. When they are standing on rock they constantly bob or dip up and down, which gives then their name.

Sometimes the water is not flowing through the burn (it is controlled), and the dipper can stand on the rocks in the calm (it may still be doing its dipper dance though).

I recorded this video along the Armstrong Trail when the Debdon Burn was in fast flow. It looks like the dipper is going to get washed away at one point, but they are experienced swimmers, so it was in no danger.

When they do fly, their flight is very characteristic. They fly very low, just above the water, with very rapid wingbeats, often with a repeating call. The flying is not unlike a kingfisher, but of course being dark brown they are not so easy to see as a kingfisher.

It's always a real treat to see a Dipper. They tend to be shy birds and they are easily disturbed. Fortunately this one was too preoccupied looking for food in the water to notice me. It was fascinating to watch it swimming and walking around underwater. Sometimes it just stood still, and popped its head under the water, as in the photo below.