American Dipper News for 2007

In 2007 dipper nests on Whitewood Creek and Spearfish Creek were monitored for nest success and number of birds fledged.

During the 2007 nesting season, there were 44 known nesting attempts at 41 known nest sites (nest sites that have previously been active) on Spearfish Creek (Lovett, 2007). The total nesting attempts include first and second broods. As many as 45 young were observed in nests classified as a first brood and 44 fledglings were later observed. A total of 26 young were observed in nests classified as a second brood and 15 fledglings were later observed. The highest count for adults observed totaled approximately 50. On Spearfish Creek 59% of nesting attempts were known to be successful. A successful nest is defined as a nest that fledged young or had nearly fledged young in the nest.

On Whitewood Creek there were only 6 nest attempts at 8 potential nest sites that were monitored. Two were considered successful with the first brood, 3 young were seen in nests and later 4 fledglings were observed. No attempts at second broods were observed. The highest count for adults observed was ~7. Only 33% of total nesting attempts on Whitewood Creek were successful.

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