Unlike any other British songbird, dippers are uniquely built for an amphibious lifestyle. They can stay submerged for up to 30 seconds, walking along the riverbed in search of aquatic insects and small fish. To achieve this, they stretch out their wings to balance themselves against the current, while transparent eyelids act as built-in goggles, allowing them to see underwater with perfect clarity. Their dense plumage provides insulation, and a special gland near the base of their tail produces waterproofing oils to keep them dry.

Dippers are highly territorial and form strong pair bonds during the breeding season. They construct nests near water, often tucked into rock crevices or behind waterfalls. A particularly astonishing record from Scotland revealed that one dipper nest site has been used continuously for an incredible 123 years! While pairs frequently return to the same location, they usually rebuild their nests at the start of each breeding season. Their domed nests, made of moss and grass, are carefully positioned with the entrance facing downward toward the water, ensuring maximum protection from predators.

Dippers are known to frequent areas including Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes, as well as Blashford Lakes, and Fishlake Meadows Nature Reserves, ran by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. These locations offer a mix of freshwater habitats and clean flowing water - an essential requirement for dippers. As indicators of water quality, their presence is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, as they rely on abundant aquatic invertebrates like mayfly nymphs and caddisfly larvae.

One of their most endearing behaviours is their constant bobbing motion, from which they derive their name. While perched on rocks or low branches, they repeatedly dip their bodies up and down - a trait that remains something of a mystery, though it may serve as a visual signal to other dippers or help them gauge water movement. Their rapid, whirring flight and sharp calls add to their charismatic nature.

Measuring around 18cm in length, with a wingspan of 25-30cm, dippers are compact but powerful birds. Weighing between 55-75g, they are surprisingly robust for their size. Despite their tough lifestyle, the average lifespan is just three years, though some individuals have been recorded living up to eight years.

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of these remarkable birds, patience is key. Dawn and dusk are the best times to observe their foraging behaviour