As regular readers of our blog know, our intrepid RSPB volunteer, Pete Clinch, has set his trail camera in the conservation area at the north of the reserve recently. Pete's camera has captured some superb shots of the night time exploits of our birds and mammals which have been shown on previous blogs. This time all the images are our otters.
Signs of otters were first noticed back in 2007 when our former site manager, Nick Tomlinson, and former Reserves Warden, Nick Quintrell started seeing otter spraint and tracks around the Radipole Lake. The otter tracks above were taken in 2011.
The image above of otter spraint was taken recently on the boardwalk. Otter spraint has a distinct pungent smell which is unique and is undeniable evidence that otters are present.
The first time an otter was actually seen on the reserve was in the winter of 2007 by Nick Quintrell. Nick was on his way down to lock the North Hide for the day. On the river close to the North Hide, Nick saw a football in the river which seemed to having a life of its own. As the ball got closer to Nick, he could see that an otter was playing with it!
This image is one that Pete's camera captured on 5th November 2016 in the early hours of the morning.
Male otters have a range of about 40 km and can be seen go over land between rivers to visit the female otters on their territory. A male otter can detect a female is in his area by her scent markings indicating that she is in season. They spend about 3 to 4 days together before the male moves on. The male is not involved in raising and looking after his otter family.
Pete's camera captured this photo on 16th November 2016.
We know that there is currently a resident female and that she had 3 cubs this year. The otter family have been seen several times this year by staff and visitors to Radipole Lake.
Pete's camera managed to capture a 4 second film clip in the early morning of 18th November 2016. The above is a still from that clip. If you have visited our Discovery Centre you would have seen the footage on the screens that was captured in early 2012.
For more information or for the latest sightings, contact Radipole Lake Discovery Centre or pop in and see us. Hot and cold refreshments and snacks available.
Telephone: 01305 778313
E-mail: Weymouth.reserves@rspb.org.uk
Website: www.rspb.org.uk/radipolelake