Following a lengthy preening in wardrobe, an Ouzel busts-a-move on a mid-stream boulder, limbering up for an afternoon of courtship…
stylin’…
Later on downstream, Ouzel moonwalks across the bubbles…
In actuality caught mid-hop-flight to another rock, its wings folded betwixt flaps; the ouzel, or dipper, is related to the wren family. Living on small freshwater streams and rivers, foraging for aquatic insects by actually diving in and walking along the bottom in the rushing waters. An elusive subject, today’s outing found a nesting pair with a good place for me to hide among the steamside boulders…
Such a miraculous catch….. great shots!
Thanks, finding the pair nesting where I can observe and not disturb is the real miracle!
Love those instances of serendipity. They only happen to those who are observant enough to find them.
Wonderful captures. ’tis the season for preening and meeting!
You are the epitome of patience, E!
They’re nesting behind a waterfall, watching them collect moss and disappear into the torrent was a real treat. I’ll go back again with warmer clothing and a lunch…
I’m so behind on reading blogs…and I am SO jealous of you for seeing this guy. I’ve wanted to see a Dipper for so long but am rarely in the right habitat. Last fall, when I was, with my partner, I was wrapped up in taking pictures of the water and ignored his frantic calls. Only to learn that he had seen a strange, funny bird…oh well, one of these days I’ll see it, but you can bet I gave him a very hard time about that sighting. The photos are all wonderful but I love the 3rd one! That look in the eye with the foot up! Funny!
In agreement with #3, perfect form! Had “walking on water” been in focus I might have had something. They’re not uncommon, but easily overlooked. I went back yesterday, bright and sunny with better angle of light, but no sign of them. This is going to be a long term photo project. Thanks for your enthusiasm, stay tuned…