Otter at lunch at Lough Atedaun

 I was out at Lough Atedaun just after midday with my 2yr old daughter having a snack, there is a gap in between the trees on the west side of the carpark that I birdwatch through. I could see 4 Mute Swans were staring at the same swampy flood patch then an Otter climbed a rock  `sniffing``....

It entered back into the water and headed in our direction moving through the submerged grasses and reeds, the  Mute Swans moved off togeher..checking behind ( they reminded me of 4 surfers that had seen a Shark on the inside).

Again the Otter came out up on a rock in front of us..sniffing...sniffing, it seemed to have no problem with us, and I was talking to a child! with a few "sshhhhhss and "Come heres" put in. The Otter then swam straight under me , to close to photo made its way to land where it sniffed out a dead bird ,which I think was a Lapwing. I devoured it bones and all in front of me, before being scared of by a Spaniel.  

Moorhen

The Moorhen is one of our most familiar birds around our inland waterways ,very adaptable, it can be found anywhere from the smallest pond to the largest of loughs.
I like to call them Otter fodder , as Otters love to prey on them.

Otter on the pier

An Otter was very active around Liscannor pier. At one point while thinking ahead and  getting into a position for a photo the Otter walked up the pier steps to me...had a look at me and went back down...it was then scared off by someone standing in the open above me trying to film it via a viewcam on an ipad while shouting...ill say no more.

Otter at Clahane

An Otter passes close to the shoreline at high tide Clahane , always a nice moment

Face to face with an Otter

This Otter came up to me on the shoreline of lough Inchiquin while i was watching it hunting Eels." Stay still", im having lunch with an Otter..Fantastic

Lahinch Surfing Otter

This Otter has been seen regularly on early mornings fishing along the reefs at Lahinch. A busy Otter that has been eating all morning. I waited at the shoreline for her to come to shore ,patience , stealth and opportunity allowed me a few shots , still the Otter always knew i was at distance and stayed aware. I enjoy that the animals awareness is one step ahead of my own. Go the Otter!

Otter at Liscannor harbour

This Otter killed and ate a Black headed gull at Liscannor

Otters at the Falls Ennistymon

Is January the best month for Otters? i`ve seen five this month