Made by Ken Leckenby and Myer Gorwits of the Mercury Movie Makers, this is a nature documentary in which the two filmmakers aim to capture the Dipper, a bird which is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes into which these fall. It often perches bobbing spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. The Dipper acquired its name from these sudden dips, not from its diving habit, though it dives as well as...

Made by Ken Leckenby and Myer Gorwits of the Mercury Movie Makers, this is a nature documentary in which the two filmmakers aim to capture the Dipper, a bird which is closely associated with swiftly running rivers and streams or the lakes into which these fall. It often perches bobbing spasmodically with its short tail uplifted on the rocks around which the water swirls and tumbles. The Dipper acquired its name from these sudden dips, not from its diving habit, though it dives as well as walks into the water. The film is accompanied by a commentary which explains the methods used by the filmmakers to capture the bird on film. The film opens with a shot of both the filmmakers and is used as a credit page. Title - Myer Gorwitz & Ken Leckenby Title - In Search of the Dipper The commentary notes that the two filmmakers have always been interested in nature films, and this is their first effort into making a nature documentary together. They are interested in the flight patterns of the Dipper. Both men walk along the stream, carrying binoculars and film equipment with them as they do so. The commentary explains that the Dipper is a notoriously difficult bird to spot and film due to its quick, low, and direct flight. The men continue walking along the bank and set up "the hide." This is a camouflaged tent which will hide the filmmaker within the natural surroundings of the Dipper. It is set up with a small, wooden structure which is covered with a tarp. The camera is then set up on a small tripod before Ken enters the hide, and only his camera lens can be seen poking out of the hide. Myer then sets up the sound equipment. He makes sure his microphone is set to record the bird's song. Finally they spot the Dipper. It bobs up and down on the rocks, a characteristic distinguishing it from birds which look similar. There are close-ups of the bird near the stream and in flight. After a day of bird watching, the men disassemble the hide, pack up their camera and sound equipment, and head home. Title - The End Cine-Sync Sound Recording System