One of Britain's most enigmatic and elusive native mammals is the Otter. I have longed to see one in the world right from childhood. In fact, funny story, as a very young child, perhaps 11 years old we went on a school trip to St Nicholas Park in Warwick. Whilst the others played on the climbing frames I sat on my own and watched the tiny stream that runs from the tearooms to the river for an otter. In my naivety I believed it to be perfect for them in actual fact it was two shallow, too busy and too man made to ever be of interest to an otter. Since then I have looked for the in Wales and more so on my patch of the Avon after the caretaker of the Saxon Mill told me had seen one some 10 years ago.
Today it finally happened. I was late for my usual visit and I had just crossed the first bridge, when what I assumed was a dog at first caught my eye. It paused on the cobbles before the second bridge and both, startled, looked at each other. We actually made eye contact before it slipped into the backwater by the main Mill Pond. Excitedly I stowed my notebook and pulled out my camera. It suddenly appeared at the edge of the Mill Pond. It was like a ghost, it hardly made a ripple. Again we made eye contact and this time I had my camera in hand.
Amazingly it seemed just as interested in me. I think it was curious about the camera as it began to swim closer for a better look. It was safe in the water now and obviously more confident.
Once its curiosity was sated, which was perhaps only in a matter of seconds it just ducked below the water and was gone.
It was a remarkable encounter. On land it seemed quite large suggesting it was a dog Otter. Its fur was slicked back and deep brown and it had the arched back gait which is familiar for the species. In the water it was silent and graceful. I was able to see the sensitive whiskers, bright beady eyes, full of enquiry, tiny flap like ears and strong rudder tail. This is without the best Christmas present I could have asked for. (Sorry everybody - you have got to go a long way to beat this on the 25th)
