Taking a look this week at one of our tiny yet mighty neighbors that often goes about its business unnoticed along our waters, the hardy American Dipper, or Water Ouzel (Cinclus mexicanus).

I say unnoticed as they are relatively small, and their coloration, or general lack thereof, provides them excellent camouflage for hunting in their watery home. They live along the banks of rivers, usually in the mountains, and while sometimes challenging to spot, when seen are usually bobbing up and down along the banks or out on rocks as they scan the waters for their next plunge for a bite. They mainly eat water insects, diving to the rivers bed to pick them out of the rocks amidst the churning waters.

Not a migratory bird, they live up here year-round, and I personally find they are easier to spot in the winter, as their dark color provides good contrast against the snow and ice, especially with movement (as I mentioned above, they bob up and down. A lot). Quite a feat to withstand not only the icy waters themselves, but to emerge into oftentimes much colder air! That said, due to a heavy duty preening oil, a thick layer of down, and a relatively thick layer of fat from those tasty bugs, they stay decently warm, and especially dry due to the oil and down. So much so that they are completely dry immediately after a plunge, as seen with this handsome specimen who kept himself in and under water for the better part of the 45 minutes or so that I observed and photographed, and likely much longer once I left him to his hunt.

If you happen to be walking along Middle Boulder Creek this weekend on your way down to the Frozen Dead Guy Days Polar Plunge, keep your eyes out along the rocks and ledges of ice for the real champions of the event!

For additional information about James Dewalt Photography, check out https://jamesdewaltphotography.com.