Otter encounter

[rlchew]

I have just returned from a trip to Islay off the west coast of Scotland (trip report to follow) where I had an amazing opportunity to watch and photograph an Otter.

I have been visiting the Scottish Highlands and Islands annually since the mid-1980s and rarely fail to see Otters. I think with the years passing I have become more experienced in knowing where and when to see these wonderful mammals.

However, the encounter last week was by a long way my most exciting and memorable .

I had already seen one Otter during my trip but this was a distant view of one swimming some way offshore. However, on my last day, as I had 2 hours to spend before catching the ferry, I took the road up to Bunnabhain on the Sound of Islay. This is the location of a distillery of fine malt whisky but also a known location for Otters.

I parked the car up by the pier and regularly scanned the shoreline and the sea for Otters. Within 15 minutes I spotted an Otter feeding on the rocks but was unable to get a photograph before it returned to the sea.

For the next 15 minutes or so I watched the Otter through my binoculars and telescope as it regularly dived and then resurfaced to eat. I managed to take some photos although the light and distance involved resulted in poor quality results …. OK as record shots though.





The Otter finally brought to the surface an enormous fish of some kind which clearly it decided would be better eaten ashore rather than out at sea. It therefore began to swim back to the shore and during its moments underwater, I walked forward with camera and tripod to meet it on its arrival.

The Otter eventually swam ashore, ran up the beach (very quickly, hence the blurred photo!) and settled down to eat its catch.



I then spent probably another 15 minutes or so both watching and photographing it as it seemed oblivious to my presence. I steadily, and as quietly as possible on a pebbly beach, moved closer and closer until I must have been within 20 feet of the Otter!

Here are some photos ….









I have been wildlife watching for nearly 40 years and there are still moments that are just so exciting and memorable. I had just about calmed down by the time I got home last Wednesday only for the experience to be re-visited in my mind when I looked at my photos and wrote this post.

I hope you enjoy the photos but believe me they only convey a fraction of the enjoyment of being there.

By way of continuing to celebrate the experience, I included a bottle of Bunnabhain malt whisky in my Tescos shopping trolley this morning .... I can feel a toast to the Otter coming on

Richard

[RobSutton]

Brilliant - I know exactly how you feel, I toast mine with a dram or two of Ardbeg or Bowmore. I had really good views down at Claggain Bay - another hot spot for Otters - but sadly not in photograph range.

[rlchew]

Toasting Otters with a dram of malt whisky .... a habit I could get used to .

Claggain Bay .... that's where I had my other Otter sighting.

Richard

[Squirrels]

Congratulations for taking such marvellous Otter photos! I really enjoyed reading your account of your experience too.

[mh68]

Excellent pics and a great story.Something you`ll never forget

Mark H

[naturelover]

fantastic shots of a very timid animal,i also love Otters pity there are not more about,i bet your day will never leave your mind,such a nice thing to remember too,
congratulations on your photoegraphs,i bet there isnt many people that have encountered that in a lifetime well done you.

[bunnylover]

Originally Posted by naturelover

fantastic shots of a very timid animal,i also love Otters pity there are not more about,i bet your day will never leave your mind,such a nice thing to remember too,
congratulations on your photoegraphs,i bet there isnt many people that have encountered that in a lifetime well done you.

It depends where you live,i think,i have always seen Otters on our local river for over 25 years now.The last 5 years has seen a dramatic increase as i seen one in the town about 2 months back.It walked past my house ,now my house is built on top of a piped stream which is piped for about 2 mile from the river up then opens and is drainage fed from fields.I was amazed to see it although it was about 10.30 pm .I thought it was a cat but then noticed that mustelid gait and i ran out and seen him crossing the road.From what ive gathered they will travel streams at this time of the year to find silver eels running ,but the stream has been piped for about 40 years at a guess and i wonder how he knew where it reopened if he came from the river up?Anytime ive seen them feeding they have been eating eels.

[JennyS]

I'm lucky - theres a medium sized pond about 20 foot away from the house, and there have been quite a few times we've stood quietly at the glass doors and watched an Otter. He's welcome to the trout he takes for the pleasure of watching him so close.