It was about 8.45 when I walked to the hide. As I approached, but not quite there, I disturbed one Dipper, and then a second, this one carrying nesting material. They both flew down stream and I expected them both, in time, to make there way back to the nest site. I set up a remote camera, I was excited to see how that worked out. At 9.36 Some really interesting behaviour happened, not with Dippers but Grey Wagtail. I am pretty sure that they are also contemplating the Dipper nest site as well. The male Grey Wagtail investigated the under the bank where the Dipper nest is. There was lots of calling and a lovely display flight to the female who also appeared, close to the hide. Then the male perched very close to me, only a foot or so away, investigating the roots of the tree that I was sat by. They are definitely searching for a suitable nest site. It would be good if they chose to breed here as well. Very early in the morning, even though we have a great sunny day, the light is too dull for decent photographs, as the sun continued to climb in the sky it had brightened considerably.
The Grey Wagtail continued to sing and display which was something to watch at least and then the female joined the male up inside the overhang. Quite what would be the outcome if the wagtails took over the Dipper nest I don't know? There was till no Dippers at 10.00 but the Wagtail sang constantly and very close by. He was certainly responding to the sunny day and feels that spring has arrived I am sure.
6 minutes later the male Dipper eventually turned up on the waterfall and started to sing away. He then flew immediately to the favoured boulder in front of the nest and carried on his tune! A knowing glance up to the nest and then he moved off walking down stream only to fly back up and past me and the waterfall to land just beneath me but out of sight. At that point, still no female but later she arrived on the waterfall and started to feed giving tremendous views of her. It was interesting to see that, even though I couldn't see him, I knew that the male had joined her. Her demeanour changed and she looked excitedly for nesting material. This activity seemed to be stimulated by the male's singing. She flew over to the boulder, by now the male had gone in to the nest but she flew off quickly down stream. This surprised me but to my recollection, I have not seen both in the nest at the same time, both this year and last. This probably explains why she left. All in all it was a pretty special session.