Dipper

What a lovely day!  I've been out for a walk in the sunshine through the valley at Hardcastle Crags with pals Helen and Verity.  Helen spotted this Dipper sitting on a rock in the middle of the river.  They are amazing little birds, weighing just 55-75g they skit around the river seeking out insect larvae and freshwater shrimps.  They are equally at home in and out of the water and are not affected by the fast flowing current.

I was looking forward to a cuppa at Gibson's Mill but the National Trust cafe was closed for the season, oh no!  We walked on from the Mill, following the green Constitutional Trail, crossed the river and turned back to the carpark.  A most enjoyable catch up in good company.