I have got quite a lot to talk about in today's entry. A few exciting developments on the Otter study front and this lovely Dipper to talk about…….. oh, and then there is the Kingfisher, quite a day really.

It started with a quick look at the Brook, hopefully signs of Otter would be found if the water had gone down enough and thankfully it had. I arrived at 1030 and had a look around but couldn't see any new tracks, probably because the water level hadn't gone down until after daylight. It was a beautiful bright day and I could see the Kingfisher working hard, but nearby, to catch his quota for the day. This was too much to resist because he was really intent on what he was doing and allowing me to get very close. At one time he perched on my hide as you can see. When he had moved off to a safe distance I sat in the hide and waited for him, hopefully to come to his favourite perch, but I had got a boot full of water and 25 minutes was all I could stand.

He never did come close enough for one of those glorious close ups but as a spectacle and a watching experience it was absolutely fabulous.

 

I emerged, wet and cold from the hide and returned to the ramp only to find a very fresh spraint which had been left there while I had been only 100 metres away!!!!!!!!!!!  How frustrating is that? But do not despair if you are waiting, as I am, for an Otter photo.  My Infrared Camera trap arrived today and as I type this, it is in position on the Brook. Hopefully tonight, it will catch photographs of our Otter and hopefully her cub as they emerge to mark their territory on the ramp. I am very excited and hopeful that all the technology works. I am not absolutely convinced that it is going to, the infrared sensor seems to be a little bit temperamental,  but at dawn in the morning we will know!  If it is unsuccessful, then I will be disappointed because there is never going to be a better chance to get Otter photographs with this type of equipment.

So what about our Dipper?  One of my favourite places to visit is Stepps Bridge and Dunsford Woods, a short trip from Exeter and on the edge of Dartmnoor. It is an amazing place and in mid-week, very quiet as well. The River Teign runs through the wood and Dippers are often seen.  I love Dippers. As a child my dad pointed them out to me on the River Dove in the Derbyshire Peak District. They have always been special to me. The way they feed, exclusively by walking on the bottom of fast flowing rivers and streams is amazing and they are attractive as well. I can spot them easily when they are about.  I look for a white spot tucked away by the waters edge. It is always exciting when this whiteness turns out to be a Dipper's breast. I find them hard to photograph though because they are always tucked away in dark dull places. 

Check back tomorrow for news and hopefully Otter photos!!!!!!