Lucky Dipper

Not a Pembrokeshire sighting I'm afraid but some interesting behaviour.

Whilst walking along the stream below Carreg Cennen (near Llandeilo) we were alerted to what appeared to be two Dippers, one behind the other, flying at speed down the stream towards us, calling loudly. As the leading bird reached a deep pool under the footbridge it dived headlong into the water and disappeared. It was then revealed that the following bird, only a few feet behind, was a Sparrowhawk. This latter bird, having suddently been deprived of its meal, flew on along the stream and the Dipper then re-appeared and climbed out of the water. A lucky escape, and an escape strategy only available to a small number of birds. It was interesting too that the Dipper knew he could only safely dive into deep water.

In almost the same location we watched two male Pied Wagtails having a set-to. They would sit on the fence about 3 feet apart and bob their heads at one another, and every so often they would both flutter up in the air, facing each other, with a very vertical body stance and their tails dipped right down and spread to show off the undertail. The overall effect was like two butterflies dancing. Eventually one bird gave way and flew off. I've never seen anything like it before.

Well I know it's not Golden Orioles and Red Backed Shrikes ..........

Rosemary