Dipper chicks dead!

Regular readers of my blog will know that I hae been monitoring, photographing and recording the events at a White Throated Dipper – (cinclus cinclus) nest site since the end of February. My almost daily visits and a total of well over 100 hours have recorded many interesting facts and I have gained a real understanding of the behaviour of this most iconic and interesting species. I am attempting to put together a book, a "Devon Dipper Diary" which will be published either in the traditional way or/and online as an iPad app or online book. Things were going so well until yesterday when 20.8mm of rain fell near to the river's source miles up stream which led to an almost, flash flood. The water level rose at an unbelievable rate, flooded in to the nest and prevented the parents from gaining access. The water level quickly receeded but by then the damage was done and the chicks were cold and lifeless in the nest. However, at that point they were not dead. I warmed them with my own body heat until they became active and then, having made a new access hole to the nest, above the water line, replaced them. The parents quickly returned, and now able to get in to her chicks, the female tried to brood them and the male continued to bring food. Sadly all to no avail as this morning, with the river level down 2 feet again, the chicks at 7 days old were dead in the nest. Their eyes were just about to open and pin feathers were about to emerge from their wings.

The female perched opposite, bemused.

The male singing a territorial song,

I sat opposite the nest later on to see what the reaction of the parents was going to be. Both birds came to the nest, the male with food for his dead chicks, all very sad. I took some photographs but felt a little bit like it wasn't the right thing to do.

6 responses to “Dipper chicks dead!”

Jakey

April 19, 2012 at 5:35 pm

Very sorry to hear of the Dipper tragedy. I’m sure you did the right thing by trying to give the chicks a chance. Perhaps the parents will attempt another brood – hopefully in a higher nest. Your observations and photographic of events have been very worthwhile despite the outcome.

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Paul

April 19, 2012 at 8:17 pm

I’ve been following you following the Dippers every step of the way Charlie and was dreading this update, nature can be so cruel sometimes.

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phil

April 19, 2012 at 11:19 pm

That’s sad to hear.
It’ll be interesting to see if they have a second brood and whether they try and use the nest again or build a new one. I’d expect a second brood to be likely as clutch size is small and spring floods are quite frequent and have an area effect, so effect an entire population rather than occasional individuals, hence a second brood would be a good survival strategy.
It will be interesting to observe whether a new nest is built higher as well.
On a happier note I loved your recent little Egret header photo; very dinosaur like!
best wishes phil

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Kathy

April 20, 2012 at 11:07 pm

How sad Charlie…so sorry for that horrible news…fingers crossed for a second brood!!

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Chris

April 21, 2012 at 1:47 pm

It’s been a fascinating story Charlie. I wonder how many Dippers (and Kingfishers and Sand Martins come to that) end up being washed away. A sad ending maybe but I would think the chances of a second brood would be high as it’s still reletively early in the year. Thanks for posting the story.

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Dave Barnes

May 14, 2012 at 12:56 am

Hello Charlie, been meaning to have a look to catch up on things and was saddened to read the news about the chicks. Good for you and your efforts to intervene sounds like it nearly paid off. Nature is remarkably resilient in combating one-off such as this and the Dippers will at some point succeed in ensuring future generations frequent the beatiful rivers of Devon – I have to say I am less optimistic about the future of some of our farmland birds. Hope to see more Dipper adventures soon. Best regards, Dave.

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