The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Rain, sun, wind...insects, birds, flowers...meteorites, rocks...seasonal changes...all are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
By popular request, here's a Bucket of otters to perk up your winter's day. It's a flotilla of photos (most under the fold) but on the otter hand, can you see too many rambunctious River Otters?
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I found this group out at Harlequin Rock a few weeks ago. The Rock is a great foraging spot for animals, the highest point of a rocky shoal with brisk fertile currents around it. On this occasion I had paddled my kayak around to the far side, hearing a lot of loud splashing and quiet chattering. Four young (based on their size) otters were making a rumpus, chasing each other, diving and swimming, slapping their tails on the water.
Eventually they noticed me, and headed over to the Rock, one climbing out to get a better look.
(All photos by me. In Lightbox...click to enlarge)
As I watched them, the youngsters began to make a stk stk stk stk sound. This was a new one for me. It really carries. Then behind me I saw a fifth and bigger otter coming around the Rock holding some large prey in its mouth. I can't figure out if it's fish or fowl, but either way, a good-size meal for one or more otters. All the otters disappeared around the corner and I paddled the other way so's not to disturb them.
By the time I made my way to the near side of the Rock, one had climbed out and was grooming. It's a fairly steep slope there, I like how it held onto a protuberance with its big paws, like a rock climber. It intermittently watched the others down in the water.
Then an eagle swooped in, landing on the top of the Rock. I had earlier seen this guy make a pass over the otters, perhaps looking to cadge a fish they'd caught? The eagle was well aware of the otters down below but appeared unthreatening. Nevertheless, the grooming otter rejoined the others in the water, exchanging a look with the eagle. River otters have few natural predators, and none to speak of in this area, but they are extremely wary wild animals.
Being glared at by an eagle as big as you are, even if you're not prey, is good incentive to find safety in the water. Whenever I come across otters on the beach or dock they invariably leap into the water and swim away. These otters were still diving, fishing and perhaps playing by the Rock when I headed back to shore.
I haven't seen this gang of otters for a while. They have a circuit through their range of headlands and beaches, and it's just chance if my excursions coincide with theirs. If I get lucky again, I'll update you on their doings.
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The Bucket is now open for nature observations from your part of the world. How is winter, or are you seeing signs of spring?
"Spotlight on Green News & Views" is posted every Saturday at 1:00 pm Pacific Time and Wednesday at 3:30 on the Daily Kos front page. It's a great way to catch up on diaries you might have missed. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.