What a beautiful piece of writing and even more beautiful encounter! Thank you for sharing it with us. The photos are splendid... Talk about the right place at the right time!
I was sure I'd spotted an otter right here in the River Calder in the centre of Mytholmroyd. It was a female moving it's kits one at a time to a new holt on the river bank. Everyone I mentioned it to was convinced it was a mink. But I still like to think it was an otter.
Well, you never know! I suspect it probably was a mink as we don't seem to have otters here - the tell is that a mink is black and fluffy, and much smaller than an otter. An otter is about the size of a small dog and notably light brown.
Delightful photos, Jack. That really was a privilege and thank you for sharing it with us. I love that image of you watching from your car, so still, not wanting to disturb them. And you saw so much in doing that. What a great experience to treasure.
Timely! - I was north across the harbour from Vancouver BC with my younger brother for brunch yesterday. And as we walked along by the area where the usually small Mosquito Creek comes down to the harbour, we saw 2 otters playing around, likely finding food, as we also saw a successful heron fishing as well. Totally fun to watch!!
Fantastic pictures and article - thank you. We spent years looking for them around Scottish and Irish coasts and islands. Only saw one pair way into a peat bog in Connemara. Moved to Preston in 2019 and they're up and down the Ribble in the city at all times of day and tide. Bloody hell!
Great article and photos thank you. We were drinking coffee once at a service station on the M6. There was a pond and an otter appeared and climbed into the pond. We were amazed and no-one else seemed to notice!!
they really are! i grew up on the Monterey coast in California and we used to go to the beach and watch the otters a lot. when i had children i took them otter-watching as well!
What a beautiful piece of writing and even more beautiful encounter! Thank you for sharing it with us. The photos are splendid... Talk about the right place at the right time!
Thank you Ramona, yes it really was a chance moment, it was wonderful, I feel very lucky
I was sure I'd spotted an otter right here in the River Calder in the centre of Mytholmroyd. It was a female moving it's kits one at a time to a new holt on the river bank. Everyone I mentioned it to was convinced it was a mink. But I still like to think it was an otter.
Well, you never know! I suspect it probably was a mink as we don't seem to have otters here - the tell is that a mink is black and fluffy, and much smaller than an otter. An otter is about the size of a small dog and notably light brown.
Delightful photos, Jack. That really was a privilege and thank you for sharing it with us. I love that image of you watching from your car, so still, not wanting to disturb them. And you saw so much in doing that. What a great experience to treasure.
Thanks Sharon, ha yes, it was actually quite uncomfortable in the car twisting round to look at them, but it was very worth it.
Timely! - I was north across the harbour from Vancouver BC with my younger brother for brunch yesterday. And as we walked along by the area where the usually small Mosquito Creek comes down to the harbour, we saw 2 otters playing around, likely finding food, as we also saw a successful heron fishing as well. Totally fun to watch!!
Amazing, what a fantastic spot!
Fantastic pictures and article - thank you. We spent years looking for them around Scottish and Irish coasts and islands. Only saw one pair way into a peat bog in Connemara. Moved to Preston in 2019 and they're up and down the Ribble in the city at all times of day and tide. Bloody hell!
haha it sounds like they're quite easy to spot when you're in the right place really, but it's still a big treat :)
Even through your written word that was fun to observe. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you :) I love sharing things like this, hopefully it captures some of the moment for everyone
Great article and photos thank you. We were drinking coffee once at a service station on the M6. There was a pond and an otter appeared and climbed into the pond. We were amazed and no-one else seemed to notice!!
Wow what an amazing sighting! They really can be spotted everywhere now I guess, if you are looking
What a treat
So lucky 🦦 💞
beautiful photos. otter-watching is so fun, they are adorable creatures.
They really are playful aren't they, like watching puppies or kittens.
they really are! i grew up on the Monterey coast in California and we used to go to the beach and watch the otters a lot. when i had children i took them otter-watching as well!
I'd love to see sea otters over your side of the world one day too, especially the floating cubs, they look so fluffy!