Its been a long winter albeit without any real wintry weather. It continues cold, wet and sometimes very windy. A hard life for wildlife out in it all the time. Dippers are coping well despite record high water. They hunt the water's edge where the current is less strong, apparently finding enough to eat. I know they are doing just fine because I see a pair and they have time to sit around and preen. They are built to thrive in these conditions. It has been more of a surprise, therefore, to find a local Kingfisher. I have seen this female a few times now. Each time I wonder if she will survive the next onslaught of poor weather. Time will tell but my fingers are crossed. |