American Dippers!

The American Dipper is North American's only truly aquatic songbird. We were happy to find 3 of them at a fish hatchery during a recent visit to Vancouver Island.

We watched one dip its head under water.

If it noticed potential food, it dove in. They can actually walk under water!! They flit among midstream rocks and logs, rhythmically bobbing the tail and disappearing for long moments. They use their wings to negotiate the current! (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)

 They sometimes emerged with a tiny fish (above) or crustacean! (Photo credit: Deryl)

Once the Dipper came to take a closer look at us as it ventured onto the grate over the spillway at the fish hatchery. These birds build mossy, domed nests on boulders, cliff ledges and bridges. We didn't see any sign of a nest. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)