Although this is not a scientifically based research project, when trying for
100 species in Josephine Co in the month of January (managed to find 103) I can
normally find a Dipper along the Rogue or Applegate Rivers. However, this year
with all the rain the river levels were really high and the water was pretty
muddy. When I check the locations I normally have found Dippers along these
rivers, none were located. None were found at the mouth of streams entering
these rivers either. I had to go up the Caves Highway (road to Oregon Caves)
about 16 miles to find one along Sucker Creek (near Grayback USFS campground),
which had a relatively normal flow level for winter (water was clear). The
second place I check, there was a Dipper.
Dennis
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Tice
To: Obol
Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2017 12:27 PM
Subject: [obol] Dipper Question
Hi All,
With all the rain we have had this year, the rivers are continually swollen,
and I have not yet seen a dipper where I would normally see them. It has been
my understanding that when the rivers are high, they go higher up where the
water is clearer to feed, returning when levels have decreased. The other day
I was birding with someone who thought the opposite - that the excess water
pushed them down river. I don't remember seeing dippers anywhere where the
water was slow flowing. Anyone actually know that dippers do when the water
is high?
--
Bill Tice
Birding: The best excuse for getting outdoors, and, for avoiding chores
