The dippers were along the flowing water's edge which is probably fresh
water. Goldeneyes are always in the current here, foraging for something
that must be abundant, based on how often I see them there. The dippers were
probably only 20 or 30 meters from true marine shoreline. I didn't notice
whether barnacles or other indicators of salt water influence were present
where the dippers were.



Kelly



From: tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu
[mailto:tweeters-bounces at mailman1.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of Chris Tonra
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 5:13 AM
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Tweeters] RE: American Dipper on Tahuya Peninsula



That is a great observation Kelly. In the non-breeding season on the north
Peninsula, we occasionally see dippers around the river mouths, but rarely
very close to the Strait, and never actually foraging in the salt water.
During breeding they are almost entirely absent from these areas.

Were they still on the freshwater shore, or actually on the canal shore?

Good birding,

Chris Tonra
The Olympic Dipper Project
http://www.facebook.com/OlympicDipperResearch
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute
Washington D.C./Port Angeles, WA
TonraC "at" si.edu