28 THE BIRDS OF BRECONSHIRE. 
WATER OUZEL OR DIPPER, 
Cinclus aquaticus. 
One of our commonest birds. Wher- 
ever the stream flows swiftest and 
strongest, there on a rock in mid-stream 
—the happiest and merriest little fellow 
of all our birds—you will see the Dipper. 
Such an active, bustling, and important 
bird; now dabbling in the water, now 
splashing about in his glee, then off 
down stream like an arrow, uttering its 
gladsome cry. This bird is a _ great 
favourite of mine, and I have often 
watched it carefully. The late Frank 
Buckland used to say he was not sure 
whether it ate the salmon-spawn or not 
It may, but I think it feeds principally 
on water-insects. I have never observed 
it with spawn in its mouth; and if 
perchance it should take fish for its first 
course, I am sure we can spare the 
spawn. I am informed by those that 
have had the cruelty to try it, that if 
you rob the Dipper’s nest it will not 
forsake it, but lay an incredible number 
of eggs: such is its fearlessness. Some 
years ago, the late Col. Morgan, of 
Bolgoed, told me that passing over a 
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