Dippers on the River Wharfe

20th August 2021

The challenge during our visit to Leeds was to find and photograph a Dipper and a quick search on the internet suggested that the River Wharfe at Strid Wood was probably the best bet. After a stroll down the winding paths to lose 100 feet of height to get down to the riverside, time to start looking for some rapids and that elusive Dipper.

The first birds to appear were several Mandarin Ducks, all unfortunately in eclipse plumage although the single male is the one with the red bill. The competition for the commonest duck on the river was close-fought between the Mandarins and Mallards.

Further along and resting on a gravel bar was the first Goosander of the day.

These are fabulous birds but like all ducks at this time of year are in eclipse plumage.

Also an obliging wing flap.

I photograph many Goosanders during the winter months at inland sites such as Abberton Reservoir, but it was nice to see them in their natural habitat. Here is a small group loafing around close to Bolton Abbey.

And eventually we found a Dipper. Not too approachable as it was on the far side of the river, but great to see and photograph nevertheless.

Feeding most of the time but it did take time out for a scratch.

Well, mission accomplished so back to the visitor centre for a well-earned cup of coffee. We were sitting on a picnic table enjoying the view when I looked up and there on the ridge of the visitor centre was a Spotted Flycatcher. What a bonus!!

Well what a fantastic day on my only second photographic trip to Yorkshire and a special thanks to Andrew McMahon for taking me there and bringing along his local knowledge. Already booked for our next trip 😊