Otter Tracking. (Pic heavy)

[Bushwhacker]

I went for a mooch about in the week and found this track.

I decided to return on Saturday and am pleased to say that I found no fewer than 14 spraints in a 150m stretch.
Some were old and crumbled, others were recent and one (next 2 pics) was very fresh - still wet with a fishy aroma.

They are predating on crayfish for the most part, a claw can be seen in this picture just above the lighter.

Here's a pic of the river.

Best part is that all of this was found right on my doorstep, so I can get down there as often as possible, hopefully I'll see one.

 

[spartacus]

Good for you, practice a bit of fieldcraft and you can get real close. Best of luck.

 

[21st century pict]

Try using a tin of tuna cat food as bate they love it PS nice spot you,they got there.

 

[Bushwhacker]

It looks like I'm being set up for a meet with James Williams who's the otter guru round this way to garner some of his knowledge. Hopefully I'll have some good sightings and some of his tracking knowledge to impart in the future.

 

[Retired Member southey]

Fantastic matey, following with interest!

 

[Mafro]

Superb, I'm sure you are going to have many happy hours down there mate. I look forward to reading more in the weeks/months/years to come

 

[Robbi]

absolutly wonderful

 

[21st century pict]

Otter Links thread for tracks and sign .
.
.
..
.Otter bounding on sand no visible tail drag.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Jonathan D's photos.

Otter...

 

[Bushwhacker]

A real scratchy photo from last night - hunched under a very low bridge in poor light and in a rush too. You can't use a flash because the light 'floods' the track and you see nothing.
Tried using a torch but couldn't keep my hand steady on the camera.

Spraint on rock, recent but not fresh.

Next pics were taken earlier in the year.
Some very old spraint - dry and crumbled.

More old spraint.

Well used crossing.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Found a great spraint today showing some different feeding behaviour. Pics up tomorrow hopefully.

 

[Ronnie]

Great thread.

Look for their drying areas where they rub themselves on the grass - unmistakable once you spot them.

 

[Bushwhacker]

This one was slightly different as it shows predation on what I believe to be either moorhen or coot - both are evident in a pond adjacent to where it was found.
The spraint contains bird feather, bone and crayfish parts.

 

[Bushwhacker]

There's a crayfish antenna evident in this.

This rock is pictured earlier on in the thread. As you can see there's more fresh spraint since last time.

Signal crayfish claw that's been munched on.

 

[Retired Member southey]

 

[JonathanD]

You opening a skull museum or summat? Or do you just have really odd friends.

 

[Retired Member southey]

Hahahahah they were all in a case at the Aldershot Military Museum, I will ask if I can get some better shots from all over at some point,

 

[Laughoutlouder]

Been a while since I have posted but I have been getting out and about plenty.

I saw an otter there a while ago.
Couldn't believe my eyes.

Was having a morning pee after getting the water on for brekkie and loping across the track it came.
Have logged the sighting with relevant people.

It's far enough away but going to try get back there soon and get a photo and collect some more evidence.

Strange place for the sighting though. Close to a stream but fairly upland. Doubt there were fish so high up. Bilberries were ripe though. Found a spraint, similar to those about in size, shape and location(elevated and prominant) with bilberries in it.

Catfood eh. Nice one, cheers for the info. Urgh...interfering with nature pangs....maybe ill do it.

 

[Bushwhacker]

Freshwater mussels feasted upon.

Slide.

 

[Ivan...]

Hi Paul, How did your survey go ? and i have been lucky enough to visit the secret spot where some of the Otter action takes place , its magic.Takes a little getting used to smelling and feeling their pooh ! sorry spraint , but when you find a good bit its amazing!that crayfish smell never leaves you , hope to catch up soon .

Ivan...