Sunday morning last, our esteemed site manager Nick T was showing local birder Bob Ford the ropes regarding volunteering as an auxiliary hide opener/ closer (familiarity with padlock use essential, binocular use desirable). Before Nick's arrival Bob had witnessed an otter catch, land and partially consume a fish in what would have been plain view of the VC. Luckily for Nick this was an unnaturally obliging otter and they went on to watch it going about its business for a further 20 minutes up to the concrete bridge and beyond.
We have had a marked increase in otter activity over the past month with spraint and prints seen regularly along with the occasional smattering of scales and the odd disembowelled fish. Added to this staff have seen and heard a number of splashes, (followed by tell-tale bubble trails and a considerable wake) around dusk that we would like to attribute to otter without - until now - being granted a definitive sighting this winter. With all this in mind it is well worth a look at dawn and dusk to try and steal a glimpse of otter... from what Nick has said the otter might be almost as keen to get a glimpse of you. Not a bad time of day to see bittern either... if the worst comes to the worst!
At least now Luke and I (as seasoned Radipole otter spotters) might get rather fewer accusations of being delusional and/ or hallucinatory... For Nick T's full report click on this link:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/groups/weymouthwetlands/forum/p/27633/200393.aspx#200393
Happy festive otter spotting!!
Jealousy is a very powerful emotion Frank, not that a rounded fellow like you would know about such negative emotions! By the way Luke, Will and I had otter again this evening... the guilt is all consuming!
...of course, I never doubted either of you!
Seize the day!