Seward, Alaska
The AMERICAN DIPPER won the “Most Interesting Bird” award today.
While this species is a year-round resident, they are always fun to watch. Despite
chilly temperatures and a brisk north wind, there he was, wading in the
remaining open water of a stream, hunting for macroinvertebrates with his head
fully submerged, oblivious to the cold water, ice, and snow.
I happened to photograph him blinking, twice. Unlike most
birds, the Dipper’s eyelid is a brilliant white, and according to Sibley, is
feathered. For a rather plain little gray bird, this flashy eyelid is a rather
bold fashion statement.
David Sibley wrote an article on “The white eyelid of
American Dipper”
< http://www.sibleyguides.com/2013/04/the-white-eyelid-of-american-dipper/>
He noted that this is a real eyelid, not a nictitating membrane, and that its
function is not understood by humans. He suggested that we take a few months to
study Dippers and try to find out.
Sounds like a good idea, but maybe when the wind stops and
it warms up a bit.
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report Reporter
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