Just over a week ago by chance I met Simon and Jo (better known apparently as Wild with Pants http://wildwithpants.blogspot.co.uk/), a visiting couple overwhelmingly enthusiastic about wildlife, especially otters. Jo helped me no end with her expert knowledge of the wonderful creatures and feeling rather inspired after having seen a few of their stunning pictures and absorbing some of their enthusiasm, planned an early 5am start on Monday morning.
I was with Mike, the new chef at the campsite cafe who was eager to see one again after a chance sighting just the other day. It was a promising morning as we found lots of signs of otter occupation and a fantastic light show when the sun rose, shining on the Cuillins but none of the 'pesky little bar stewards' as Mike calls them. We tried a few times again and by this time I had been given the nickname 'Otter Repeller'.
On Friday we had the best weather in Britain and found ourselves back on the footpath heading down to the rocks for another chance. After waiting for an hour or so with the wind in our faces I was beginning to think it was a wasted evening. Just then I glimpsed the tail of a hungry, waddling otter heading down to the shore for supper! After watching it swim out, we crept down to the shoreline from our viewpoint bit by bit as he dived for something below the surface. We got within 6 feet unnoticed as he kept feeding right before us time and time again. After about 15 minutes he must have heard the shutter of my camera and looked straight into the lens. He seemed curious to find out what it was and made a move towards us before diving back into the sea and eyeing us up from the water. What a great experience! I am really happy with the pictures (to be posted here soon, stay tuned). He has been named Pinky due to the pink colouring on the end of his nose.
