Thursday, 22 July 2021

News from OtterCam

Over the past few weeks the camera has seen a lone otter going through the culvert about twice a week.  At the beginning of last week we had quite a lot of rain and the water once again spilled over the sluice gate.  Twice in the same day the camera recorded something I haven't seen before - an otter fishing in the culvert.  I reckon this is the dog and it is fascinating to see how he systematically sweeps from side to side looking for fish.



The lone otter detected the next time was a cub, which was surprising.  The camera records for only 20s in infrared mode so we don't quite see it make it up the ramp but I presume it did as there was no subsequent recording.  Quite why it was on its own isn't clear but I expect mother was nearby.

Two hours later the camera briefly glimpsed a small otter coming back through the pipe - detecting a small cold wet otter in water isn't easy for the sensor.  Another two hours later mother appeared with both cubs, again heading north. The cubs are slow though the fast-flowing water and the camera's 20s cut-off means we don't see them get up the ramp.  They were too far away to trigger a second recording.


Two days ago they went through again, this time in much shallower water, although it is very slippery.  And yesterday a large solo otter went through, presumably the dog.  He walks slowly to make sure he doesn't slip.



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