Dippers are really rare in the York area, having been lost from their few breeding areas in the north of the recording area years ago, presumably as water quality declined. It was therefore quite a surprise to find myself dashing up to the River Foss at New Earswick a couple of miles from home to see a gorgeous juvenile that had been found by Ian Andrews this evening. I picked up James Byatt, parked at the Link Road and hit the riverside path. James went upstream and I went downstream; our gen was vague, so spreading out felt like the best option. I got lucky, and a few minutes later, noticed the little dude chilling on a lump of wood on the far side of the tiny Foss, although I almost walked past it without noticing!
It was totally unconcerned by my presence so I immediately phoned James, who came running. Fortunately the Dipper stayed in place for several minutes giving us great views. After a bit it flew off downstream, though didn't appear to be going very far.
This was a very unexpected York tick and something I wasn't really expecting today! The last York bird I can recall was one at Newburgh Priory several years ago which I dipped - although I did see its droppings on a rock! The prolonged drought may well have forced this bird to leave its natal area and head into the lowlands looking for food. The Foss here seemed pretty good, so hopefully this little guy will do ok and return upstream once river levels improve.
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