American Dipper

Gallery: AvianPosted April 13, 20181,354 views5 comments

One of my favorite images from this year's winter Yellowstone adventure features this American dipper. Winter is a great time to see dippers in the park, but getting close shots at good angles can be difficult due to accessibility (they often hang out along rivers where the bank is pretty steep). In this case, I knew of a more accessible creek where there are pretty reliable dipper sightings, and one happened to be around when I drove by on a sunny afternoon. I was able to get down on my belly in the snow to photograph it in action, and this moment, with flying droplets and just enough dappled sunlight keeping it out of the shadows, stood out. Though it's not perfect, this is one of the more interesting behavioral shots I've managed to get of this species.

Canon 1DXII
Canon 600mm f/4 IS
ISO 800
1/1000th
f/4.5
Hand-held

Max

Comments

5 comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on April 13, 2018 at 12:12 PM

The low angle is awesome. I've never managed a decent image of a dipper. This one really works, especially with the water drops. Nicely done.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on April 13, 2018 at 12:50 PM

Very good, Max. Dippers are tough with that dull gray plumage, but this one stands out nicely with the lighter colored background. The action is great.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on April 13, 2018 at 10:19 PM

Nice water movement and low POV Max! Great work!

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on April 15, 2018 at 7:31 AM

Max,

You have ouzeled an excellent image of this dipper. Your technique worked out very well. I like this image as posted..................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Thompson on April 16, 2018 at 4:24 PM

Excellent low angle shot of this Dipper Max! Love the water in this and the flying drops add a lot too. Great technique on your part.

Registered on August 7, 2014, 125 Posts, 2319 Comments