Tag Archives: River Otter

•

River Otters are year round residents of the Mendonoma Coast. They cannot abide pollution so their presence speaks to the quality of our waters. Marilyn Green photographed this one on the beach, apparently eat crabs that were molting.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

The River Otter appeared to be playing in the waves, or perhaps it was simply looking for food.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Nancy Jewhurst spotted this otter on the bluffs while she was walking a trail on The Sea Ranch. Yes, River Otters can be found in the ocean, in rivers and creeks, and on land.

River Otter by Nancy Jewhurst

 

Thanks to Marilyn and Nancy for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

•

Anne Mary Schaefer noticed a River Otter at Manchester Beach.

River Otter on a log by Anne Mary Schaeffer

The River Otter was harassing two birds that were identified as juvenile Black-crowned Night-herons, something you rarely get to see.

Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Herons by Anne Mary Schaeffer

The Night-herons safely flew away.

Thanks to Anne Mary for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

•

Michael Reinhart was watching an Osprey eating a fish when he was startled to see this River Otter climbing up the bluff.

A River Otter climbing a bluff by Michael Reinhart

River Otters are fascinating creatures. A family of otters lives in the lagoon of the Gualala River. Below is a photo by Gary Hopkins of a River Otter and a Western Gull facing off. That gull should have been worried, as River Otters will take a gull for their dinner.Gull and River Otter exchanging glances by Gary HopkinsThanks to Michael and Gary for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

 

 

 

• 2 Comments

•

River Otters need unpolluted waters to thrive so you shouldn't be surprised that they are doing well here on the Mendonoma Coast. They can be seen near local rivers and creeks. Jean Brown spotted one recently.

River Otter by Jean Brown

Here's a fun photo by Gary Hopkins of a Gull and a River Otter exchanging glances.

Gull and River Otter exchanging glances by Gary Hopkins (Medium)

The River Otter is probably warning the Gull not to try and steal its food. My bet is on the Otter!

Thanks to Jean and Gary for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

•

Martin Steinpress captured a big of magic recently - a green flash.

Martin also saw the food chain in action at the Gualala River. Below a River Otter has nabbed a Gull and is taking it to shore for its lunch. I believe there is a second River Otter behind the one carrying the Gull. They do hunt cooperatively.

River Otters swim underneath a group of unsuspecting Gulls and then grabs one for dinner. A River Otter was seen taking a Brown Pelican this way. It can be hard to see but it is part of our natural world.

Thanks to Martin for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

To see a photo of a  green flash that turned into a blue flash and then a purple flash, photographed by Ron LeValley, here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/08/10/a-green-flash-that-turned-into-something-more-as-photographed-by-coastal-photographer-ron-levalley/