Michael Reinhart was watching an Osprey eating a fish when he was startled to see this River Otter climbing up the bluff.
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.
Thanks to Michael and Gary for allowing me to share their photos with you here.
A lucky sighting is one of River Otters. I'll let Gary Hopkins tell the story. "We spotted the River Otter and a Western Gull from the bluff above Tidepool Beach at The Sea Ranch. We watched for about fifteen minutes as the Otter cavorted in and around the tide pool, alternately playing, feeding and sunbathing. The Gull stood and watched, sometimes intently, sometimes with seeming disinterest."
Here the River Otter and Gull eye each other.
Gary photographed the River Otter cavorting in the water and kelp.
Richard Kuehn watched a River Otter bring its catch to some rocks off of The Sea Ranch this week.
It didn't take long before a Western Gull arrived with larceny in its heart.
The River Otter backed off the Gull with a hearty snarl. "It's mine...get your own."
Thanks to Rich for allowing me to share these photos with you here.