IMAGE OF THE MONTH

February 2024

Nest Building

A pair of diligent dippers having chosen their nest site were meticulously building it with moss, beech leaves, and grasses. These fascinating birds often return to traditional nest sites, frequently found under bridges. The same domed nest may be reused in successive years, or a new one might be constructed nearby.

Breeding can start as early as February, but given the Scottish climate, it usually begins in March. The female lays a clutch of 4-5 eggs at daily intervals, which then hatch after about 16 days. The chicks fledge approximately three weeks later and become fully independent just over a month from their hatching.

Witnessing the nest-building process and the dedication of the parent dippers is a testament to the incredible effort and care that goes into raising their young. Capturing these moments through photography allows me to share the intimate and intricate aspects of their lives, providing a window into the natural world and the resilience of these remarkable birds.