American Dipper

A friend had very generously invited me to go along with him yesterday, exploring the area south of the city, in the Porcupine Hills, Foothills and Nanton area. The weather was incredible and the scenery breath-taking! Everything from flat grassland, to rolling hills and the Foothills, to the mountains. There were occasionally small patches of open water and we were lucky enough to see four American Dippers at various places. A small bird seen from a long distance = a heavily cropped photo that is STILL distant : )

The American Dipper is uncommon to common year-round in Alberta. The Dipper's stout body, strong claws and thick feathers enable it to survive in frigid weather.