Scottish Otter

[Madelinew]

Here's my lovely otter, spotted at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye. It's one of 3 otter sightings I had on different parts of the Island. I always see otters when I go up every year. In fact, I once spent 3 hours sitting at the freezing Kyle Rhea Otter Haven and saw nothing only to return to my grandmother's to see one playing on the beach below her house.



It is there, honest - you'll have to click on the picture if you don't believe me

[Tracey.A]

Hi Madelinew,

you're so lucky! I've been to Kyle Rhea as well, but I didn't see any either. Having said that though a friend of mine has been and he did see them, it's suppose to be quite a good spot. Very jealous!

Tracey

[gess]

You must be really pleased, I know I would be

Gess

[Madelinew]

Originally Posted by Tracey.A

Hi Madelinew,

you're so lucky! I've been to Kyle Rhea as well, but I didn't see any either. Having said that though a friend of mine has been and he did see them, it's suppose to be quite a good spot. Very jealous!

Tracey

My best results with otters have been at first and last light. I got up early one morning last week and went to a road above the bay where I was staying. I watched one fishing and then coming out onto rocks where it proceeded to chomp its way through what I think was a butter fish by it's shape. It then rolled around in the seaweed, rested a bit and went back in the water. The sun hadn't quite risen. I wouldn't have seen it through binoculars, I was scanning the water with my spotting scope at the time.

If you're in Kyle Rhea again, I'd try going very very early before anyone else is around.

I've also seen one in Broadford Bay at last light being pursued back to its holt by a crowd of gulls after whatever it was carrying in its mouth. I wouldn't have seen it if it wasn't for the birds.

I was very very lucky once to have a dog otter come within 20 feet of me at Tarskavaig Bay when the wind was in the right direction.

It's very much a case of right place at right time and keeping your eyes peeled. I'm sure I've missed others.

The Dunvegan one was only spotted as I was putting my gear back in the car and I happened to be pointing in the right direction to see it; otherwise I would have missed it.

[Tracey.A]

Hi Madalinew,

I've been to all of the places you mentioned, next time I will definately follow your advice and try to spot them at first light or last light. It's such a beautiful place and a real joy to visit, even in midge season! If it's breezy then the midges aren't too much of a problem. I'll watch out for angry gulls as well Can't wait for next year, when the weather warms up a bit, so I can get up there again. Your post has got me wanting to be there now! To be so close to a dog otter must have been thrilling. I vol with SNH, but couldn't go out with them the last time and guess what they saw an otter! I keep missing them

Loved your post

Tracey