30 July 2016

Otter




We had thunder and rain early this morning so we waited until the storm clouds had disappeared before setting off on our bikes.  The sun was shining again and it felt very hot and steamy.  Paul was looking to break some records so I had to work hard to keep up with him.  Eventually I rebelled and slowed down to a more leisurely pace as we cycled back up donkey valley.

At this time of year wildlife sightings are rare unless we get out very, very early.  By mid morning all the bigger animals have gone to ground to escape the heat of the day before re-appearing at dusk. There is a small stream that runs down this valley with pockets of bright yellow flag irises along its length. The road runs adjacent to it  and I suddenly noticed movement in the tall reeds.  At first glance I thought it was a pine marten but as it bounded towards the water I could see clearly it was quite a large animal.  It was an otter.  I was so excited I almost fell off my bike.  I have never seen an otter in the wild before.  At one time otters were almost at the point of extinction in this area of France and I believe it is still quite rare to see them around here.

9 comments:

  1. Fantastic - I haven't seen an otter in the wild either - I am green with envy.

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  2. I've never seen one in the wild either. Very very lucky you

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  3. Yes, beautiful creatures and quite shy generally.

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  4. Goodness; I had no idea there were Otters around here.

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  5. Lucky you! Reminds me of a pub near Dorking (?) which had a rustic sign saying 'To the Water Otter'. Followed the path around to a sweet little sort of kennel and inside was an old kettle. Well it was at least 50yrs ago.

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  6. Lutra lutra often seen in swimming pools when the owners are in bed but gone by morning. Food disappearing from fridges overnight has been attributed to the lutra lutra who have become native to the Perigord area of France.

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    1. I have food disappearing from the fridge overnight but I don't think I can blame otters.

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  7. An otter! Wow! What a lucky sighting! :)

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  8. Thank you for all your comments. I guess we just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Lucky indeed.

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