American Dipper near Lowell Ponds and water quality

[boma...@yahoo.com]

Hi CoBirders

I was able to find an American Dipper in Clear Creek at Lowell Blvd. (Adams Co.) today at 9:53 am. A Belted Kingfisher and Mallards were also present.

This stretch of Clear Creek is subject to heavy suds, including earlier this week. So I suspect the dippers are no better at judging pollutant levels tham most of us. They use the environment thats available.

Bob Canter, Denver, CO

[SeEtta Moss]

<I was able to find an American Dipper in Clear Creek at Lowell Blvd. (Adams Co.) today at 9:53 am. A Belted Kingfisher and Mallards were also present.

This stretch of Clear Creek is subject to heavy suds, including earlier this week. So I suspect the dippers are no better at judging pollutant levels tham most of us. They use the environment thats available. Bob Canter, Denver, CO>

Guess the Colorado Partners In Flight scientists don't know that as they state: " Because they rely on aquatic insects, which only flourish in clear, unpolluted streams, American Dippers are excellent indicators of stream quality. "  (Am Dippers also used as stream quality indicators in other states).

But then are you sure that those suds are the result of pollution: "Foam, suds or bubbles in a stream may be the result of a natural process or human pollution.  Foam develops in streams when certain substances interact with the water, reducing the surface tension.  This makes air bubbles on the water. When air is mixed with moving water, foam, suds or bubbles are created.  Nature contributes to the creation of foam, suds or bubbles when plants and animals decompose and release a substance that can break down the surface tension of the water. A drier than usual winter and early spring can contribute to a buildup of natural factors that cause foam, suds or bubbles in the water. "

SeEtta Moss
Canon City
Blogging for Birds and Blooms magazine @ http://birdsandbloomsblog.com/author/seetta-moss/
Personal blog @ BirdsAndNature.blogspot.com