ARTRIVER-USA.com A nature newsletter about the mountains, streams, trails, estuaries, and bays of the Pacific Northwest. Features photography of Dale Rollins and commentaries by watercolorist, Mary Rollins.
THE AMERICAN DIPPER BIRD A short comment from watercolorist and naturalist, Mary Rollins...
Also called a Water Oozle in Europe.
The Dipper is a local bird that inhabits high mountains of the Pacific Northwest; always around rushing streams. It's one of my favorites and is a very unusual song bird. It gets its name, Dipper, because it bobbs up and down while standing on a rock--it looks like a dance. Then, it will jump right into the water rapids in search of its favorite food--periwinkles. We have also documented its other seasonal favorite, salmon eggs! Dippers beat their wings against the water current, which makes them appear to be swimming underwater, but actually they are walking very fast. They manage to do this activity because they have a high oil content in their feathers, like ducks do. So, the water just beads off their backs.
Over the last decade of working outdoors, I have developed a deep love for these little guys. The combination of their beauty, adaptiveness to the environment, their solitary nature, and captivating song is memorable. Since I work near rivers and lakes I have the opportunity to enjoy them as regular companions. In fact, if you look closely at most of my paintings you will discover one somewhere. I love these little birds; and they will always find a place in my work.
MAY 1ST--Kick off reception for the Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour Location: Maryhill Museum of Art, Goldendale, Washington (5pm) note--Show runs through May 2nd & 3rd
MAY 2ND--Kick off event for Gorge Artists Open Studios Tour Location: "Taste of the Gorge", The Dalles Art Center (5-7pm) note--Show runs through May 2nd & 3rd
APRIL 18TH--Kick off event benefit, "Spring Wine & Art Festival" Location: Gorge Discovery Center & Museum note--All proceeds go to the Gorge Discovery Center (6-9pm)
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