The Wildlife of
Gibside

 
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Dippers, Dunnocks, Wrens and Starlings - The Dipper

First seen on Friday 11th February 2022 at Gibside

A fast flowing stretch of the Derwent River is a perfect habitat for Dippers. Look wherever there are small areas of rapids flowing between rocks - there are several 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. They fly fast and low, just above the water and you can often here their metallic "zit"


 

They normally feed on various larvae and grubs they find underwater. They often swim to get to deeper water, but they also just stick their heads under the water to have a look...