American Dipper News for 2005

In 2005 dipper nests on Whitewood Creek and Spearfish Creek were monitored for nest success and number of birds fledged.

During the 2005 nesting season, there were 29 known nesting attempts at 39 known nest sites (nest sites that have previously been active) on Spearfish Creek (Lovett, 2005). As many as 26 young were observed in nests classified as a first brood and 32 fledglings were observed. A total of 20 young were observed in nests classified as a second brood with 12 fledglings found. The highest count for adults observed totaled approximately 56. On Spearfish Creek 57% of nesting attempts were successful.

On Whitewood Creek there were 7 nest attempts at 7 nest sites that were monitored. Five were considered successful with the first brood, 17 young were seen in nests and 8 were known to have fledged. Only two attempts at second broods were made and none were successful. Two young were seen in nests of second brood attempts but no fledglings were seen. The highest count for adults observed was ~10. 55% of total nesting attempts on Whitewood Creek were successful.

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