Otter fixation

Yesterday was a cracking day with clear skies and no wind. I had the intention of hunting out a WT Eagle or two but I got waylaid by otters! I'd bagged a couple of male Goldeneye, Little Grebe, Buzzard, RB Merg and the odd Grey Heron before I came across the first Otter. I'd spotted the tell-tale ripples from a fair distance so I made my way towards it. He was still fishing in the loch when I got level with him.... ...just before he decided it was time to get out. He came ashore for a quick dip in fresh water to clean the salt from his fur but, like quite a few Mull residents, he found his water supply frozen!He headed off in search of a better supply.I headed off when he disappeared from sight and bumped into the mum and two cubs about five minutes later. So much for the eagle hunt! I set up the gear again and waited for an opportunity. While I was waiting I scanned the loch picking up 2 RT Diver, 5 GN Diver and a couple of Guillemot plus another Otter heading towards me and two more in the distance - WOW!

Mum with two cubs eventually hit the shore and I took a few snaps but the light wasn't right and a crowd was gathering. I'd tested the video option on the camera, I posted said video yesterday, so I turned around and headed back to base before heading off again to see if I could get more video without being disturbed. I certainly hit lucky when I located two Otters close to shore but I would have to do some stalking to get a decent video. I'll let you decide! 

I was delighted with that so I, foolishly, thought I'd try it out on the Adders too. Despite the sunshine it was only about 3 degrees and the Adder didn't want to move at all so here's a still Adder.

No chance of getting any birding done today as we are off to Newcastle tonight. I'm hoping to get a few year ticks while I'm down there but it's doubtful as we are only there for the Saturday to see the kids!