The fast flowing River Wansbeck is a perfect habitat for Dippers. Look wherever there are small areas of rapids flowing between rocks (there are many of these along the River Walk). 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. When they fly, their flight is very characteristic. They fly very low, just above the water, with very rapid wingbeats, often with a repeating call (a harsh loud 'dzit'). It's always a real treat to see a Dipper, but they tend to be shy birds and are easily disturbed.
Dippers hunt underwater, and are very good swimmers. Often though, the easy way is to just pop their head underwater and look, as in the photo below...
