Sparkling waters – dipper

Acrylic on paper; 30cm x 39cm

The jumble of rocks that form a weir on the Tweed at Melrose provides the perfect habitat for dippers and these charismatic little river birds can usually be seen here at any time of year. On this summer’s day a pair was frantically busy, diving into the fast-moving water to forage for invertebrates to feed their family of growing chicks.

Looking into the light, jewels of sunlight sparkled on the water against the dark backdrop of large boulders. Viewing the scene through binoculars there was a foreshortening effect that seemed to close the distances between the rocks, heightening the sense of a densely packed labyrinth of boulders through which the river tumbled.