American Dippers in Deschutes County by Kevin Smith

American Dippers in Deschutes County by Kevin Smith (Third Place [tie] June 2026)

Ed. Note: I did some research about the Dipper’s white eyes thinking they were the nictitating membrane. Turns out, according to Sibley, they are feathered eyelids! With your permission, I’d like to add a comment about the eyelids.

Kevin’s Resonse: YES, Ed! I did the same thing after seeing the lids up close and finding tiny feathers. Amazing! When you see the bird dive into a pool of clear water from up above and see the flash of white, like a beacon, it is quite impressive. Then when you find out that the white is actually fine feathers on an all grey body THAT is REALLY special.

THEN when you see the pair close their eyes when they ‘kiss’ it makes you wonder: are they more like us humans than I ever thought? Do YOU close your eyes when you kiss your beloved??