We learned last week about the little American Dipper. Today we will learn more about these interesting birds.
American Dippers are often found diving in water so cold that ice lines the edges of it. But they are quite comfortable, even in the coldest water. The reason for this is that their feathers are denser and oilier than most songbirds to help them stay warm in the cold and dry in the water.
In the spring when the streams begin to rush with melting snow and ice, the American Dipper birds know it is time to build their nests. They choose a nesting site that is vertical and over rushing water. This could be on the steep sides of a cliff, under a bridge, on a big rock in the middle of a stream, or even behind a waterfall. If they find a place behind a waterfall, they have to fly through the falling water each time they leave or enter their nest site. All of these nests are placed to make them safe from predators.
A pair of American Dippers builds their nest together. The large, dome-shaped nest, about the size of a basketball, has two parts. The outer part is built of leaves and grasses woven together. Then as much moss is added as possible. The moss has the ability to retain water, and it helps absorb water to keep the inner part dry. The inner part is a pad or cup, woven of grasses and leaves to make a cozy, dry nest where four to five eggs are laid. The nest has an entrance hole opening toward the water.
When they are done raising their babies, the parents molt. They do this like ducks, not like most song birds, shedding all their flight and tail feathers at once. They are not able to fly at all during this time. The Lord has made them this way because of their unusual way of finding food. If they molted gradually, it would make it harder to dive for a longer period of time. But by doing it all at once, they are done within 14 days and can start diving again.
The nesting sites of these songbirds give us a good picture of how safe all of God’s children are. He cares for us far more than a bird cares for its babies. There is a lovely old hymn that begins,
“More secure is no one ever
Than the loved ones of the Savior;
Not [that] star on high abiding,
Nor the bird in home-nest hiding.”
The woman who wrote that had a great sadness in her early life. But she had learned that no matter what happens, if we know the Lord as our Savior, we are safe in His care, both in this life and forever. I hope you know this wonderful Savior!
Did You Know?
American Dippers choose nesting sites that are vertical and over rushing water.
Messages of God’s Love 4/14/2024