I managed to get the answer to some questions today. I have spent the last 5 days sat in the hide trying to work out exactly what the Dippers are up to. So after another couple of hours, and with no sign of Dippers it was starting to look obvious that the nest was not going to be used this year. I decided that some proactive action needed to be taken. I had my suspicions as to where they may be nesting now so I made my way to the spot, just 100 yards or so down stream. I immediately saw a Dipper on the rocks where I had seen it numerous times before. Taking cover behind a tree I watched as it collected nesting material and flew in to the bank on my side of the river and hidden beneath me. It wasn't long before it re-appeared on the rocks again and repeated the process, this time joined by it's mate who also filled it's beak with moss and followed the other bird. They were obviously building. I quickly retreated without disturbing them and made my way back to the car to get some camo material. 30 minutes later and back at the new site I quickly sat down and covered myself with the cam material and leaves. This worked well and I watched both birds coming and going with nesting material for about half an hour. I had some real issues with my camera, it was very misty when I arrived and the damp air had misted the front of the lens making any photos taken useless until I had sorted it out. Eventually I managed to get it clear and took a few photos. The light here is superb with the wood thinning out and allowing more light on to the scene. I am really confident that I am going to get some really great photos here and also carry on with my study. Incidentally I deliberately kept away from the nest not wanting to take any risks whatsoever.