THE DIPPER 265 



to its edge for only a fraction of a second and inserted 

 their supply of food into the mouth which happened to 

 be thrust farthest out of the nest. On June 29th I again 

 visited the nest of the Gohha-duhh. As I looked into it 

 one of the birds which was waiting expectantly near the 

 entrance to be fed flew out, and attempted to swim 

 against the strong current, propelling itself strongly for- 

 ward with its wings. It was, indeed, remarkably at home 

 in the water and dived repeatedly, sometimes swimming 

 three-quarters submerged in order to escape my notice. 

 I succeeded in capturing it, and, after a considerable 

 amount of persuasion, was able to secure one or two photo- 

 graphs. 



Once it succeeded in eluding me and flew out into the 

 main stream. Just below where it lighted there was a 

 heavy rush of water, and into this the unfortunate small 

 bird was dragged. It disappeared in the foam of the 

 rapid, and for some time I watched in vain for it to emerge 

 on the surface of the pool below. At length, however, 

 I saw it on the bank, somewhat bedraggled, but full of 

 life, flirting its small tail and giving that curious jerking 

 action so distinctive to the Water Crow. For a time it 

 stood there, then waded out into the pool, where it re- 

 mained standing just within its depth, seemingly unwilling 

 to risk another fight with the waters. A moss-grown 

 rock at the water's edge suggested the possibility of 

 concealment, and under this the small Dipper crept, to 

 wait the passing of danger and the reappearance of its 

 mother. 



The Dipper takes rather a longer period than most birds 

 of its size to bring its brood to a state of maturity, and I 

 have known of the young being still in the nest six weeks 

 after the eggs were laid. After the nesting season the 

 birds extend their range somewhat, but can never be 

 said to be migratory in the true sense of the word. 



