Dipper

An uncommon breeding resident, present locally on all suitable streams and rivers.

Charbonnier (1899) said it was ‘not often found near the city. A pair was seen at Compton Dando, April 1898, also at Frenchay during the summer 1898’.

The 1925 SBR said it ‘breeds regularly, Blagdon (two pairs), Litton and on the Chew. Absent from the slow flowing watercourses of the marshes but decidedly frequent on streams elsewhere, as in Wrington Valley and Pensford’. 

Davis (1947) called it ‘resident locally, nests on suitable streams chiefly in Cotswold and Mendip areas. 

Breeding, or breeding season, records within fairly recent years from various places including Hambrook, Pensford, Blagdon, Litton and Winscombe. Has been seen well within the city boundary – on the R Frome at Stapleton (frequently) and on the R Trym near Henbury (once 1947)’.