There hasn't been much to report in the last few weeks, other than the otter catching a drake mallard. An otter goes through the culvert two or three times a week and. as ever, it is impossible to say which animal it is. Then two nights ago I got the first sight of the cubs since they were brought through the culvert at midday in April. Then they could barely walk and were much too small to be out so I am sure it was an emergency move for their safety. They still look very small but I think they are now about five months old, old enough to follow mother around. The culvert must be a scary place for them and they made sure to keep very close to mother. It was only a glimpse but it is reassuring to know they are safe and well.
It was intriguing to see that a solo otter had been through 40 minutes before, also heading south. It returned after 10 minutes but turned round in the culvert and did the same thing again ten minutes later, so 20 minutes before mother brought the cubs through. I wonder if this ws the mother checking the coast was clear, although if it was she didn't return through the culvert to collect them.
The cameras are in the culvert continuously at present so I'll know if the three otters are using it regularly.
Good to know the mother and cubs are in good health.
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