Witnessing European Divers with My Daughter in Beautiful Ilkley - A Day to Remember

*Heri Tarmizi

Waiting Bus To Ilkley moor with Ayleen

It was a bright and sunny day in Ilkley, United Kingdom, and the vibrant atmosphere filled the air with joy. My daughter Ayleen and I had embarked on a journey to enjoy the summer in this picturesque town. Ilkley boasted the best park for children, where they could while away the hours in blissful play. As we arrived, we were greeted by the sight of locals and tourists alike basking in the sunshine, their smiles reflecting the warmth of the day.

Ayleen enjoy the kid carrier 

Hailing from Indonesia, Ayleen and I stood out amidst the crowd with our different culture and skin color. Yet, to our delight, the people of Ilkley welcomed us with open arms, embracing the diversity that enriched their small, quaint city. The journey from our apartment to Ilkley was a scenic one, a 45-minute bus ride through countryside views adorned with lush farms and rolling hills, painting a breathtaking picture before our eyes.

Ayleen enjoy playground at Ilkley

As Ayleen reveled in the joys of the park, laughter echoing around her, a sudden urge to relieve herself struck. Alas, the nearest toilet seemed too far away. Thinking quickly, I decided to let her use the riverbank for a quick pee. Little did I know, this decision would lead to an unexpected encounter.

European dipper in River

After Ayleen finished, she expressed a desire to play in the river, her eyes sparkling with excitement. I accompanied her, watching as she frolicked in the water, her laughter mingling with the gentle lapping of the waves against the rocks. It was then that we stumbled upon a group of European divers, their presence a surprising twist in our day.

Observing the scene before us, I couldn't help but notice a peculiar sight – birds, terrestrial in appearance, yet exhibiting behaviors akin to waterfowl. Perched on rocks one moment, they would suddenly dive into the water with precision, emerging moments later with their prizes. It was a mesmerizing sight, and I couldn't help but wonder at their fascinating behavior.

European dipper

These birds, aptly named European divers, seemed to possess a dual nature – one of land and water. Their graceful dives and effortless foraging painted a picture of harmony with their aquatic surroundings. It was a testament to the wonders of nature, unfolding before our very eyes in this serene river in Ilkley.

European Dipper

As Ayleen continued to play, her innocence a stark contrast to the complexities of the natural world around us, I found myself immersed in the beauty of the moment. The sun cast its golden rays upon us, illuminating the scene with a sense of tranquility and wonder. In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of Ilkley and the enchanting presence of the European divers, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous experiences that life brings our way.

In the end, our encounter with the European divers served as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the beauty that lies in embracing diversity. As we made our way back home, the memories of that day lingered in our hearts, a testament to the magic of unexpected encounters in the most unlikely of places.

me and Ayleen