Hi Tweeters,

Any of you who have read my posts know I have a strong affection for the American Dipper and there is an effort going on in the north Olympic Peninsula to band as many dippers and other birds that are associated with the rivers on the peninsula. It is associated with the Elwa River restoration project.

I do not approve, especially when they are referring to banding "hundreds of birds." I have done considerable research on the American Dipper and you have all had the opportunity to see some of the joyful pictures I have posted on my website (included are three links). The dipper lives in and enjoys the fast waters of the western states and putting a band on the leg of a bird that dives headfirst into swift water, without any caution, is a recipe for disaster.

http://e-picturebookdesigners.com/dipper/

http://e-picturebookdesigners.com/dipper2/

http://e-picturebookdesigners.com/dipper3/

The people doing the work monitor this message board, so please let them, and myself, know how you feel.

Thank you.

Don Wallace
don at e-picturebookdesigners.com