DIPPER. 45 



It is not easy to say whether the Dipper should be 

 classed among the Thrushes or the Wrens. It resembles 

 the Wren in its song, its nest, and its habit of jerking its 

 tail ; in other respects, however, it seems to claim affinity 

 with the Thrush. The habits of the Dipper may readily 

 be studied, as the bird is plentiful in most parts of 

 Ireland. Every day in the year it may be seen along 

 the Dodder, or in the beautiful glen of the Dargle ; 

 indeed, there are few mountain streams that it does not 

 enliven with its innocent presence and amusing evolu- 

 tions. It has often been said that the Dipper is the 

 only bird that can walk along the bottom of a stream ; 

 the truth of the matter seems to be that it remains for a 

 short time beneath the surface, using all the time great 

 exertions with its wings and feet, and then rising to 

 take breath. As the specific gravity of the bird is much 

 less than that of the otter or beaver, both of which 

 remain under water with difficulty, the strain upon our 

 little friend's powers must be very great indeed. 



The Dipper is our earliest songster. He sings indeed 

 all the year round at intervals ; but in January his 

 song is most frequently heard. It somewhat resembles 

 that of the Wren. No matter how trying or severe the 

 weather may be, on him it seems to have no effect ; he 

 has been heard singing with the thermometer at twenty- 

 six degrees, perched upon a piece of broken ice floating 

 gaily along. Whilst walking at Leixlip, some time ago, 

 I heard the song of the Dipper just at the famous Salmon 

 Leap. It mingled with the roar of the waterfall, and 

 was audible only at intervals, sounding like music far 

 away. 



The nest of the Dipper is generally found amongst 



