I headed out this morning looking for waterfowl in Orange County. Well, it was pretty much a bust. I went to eight different locations and nearly all were disappointing, with few or no ducks present. My only waterfowl highlights included 3 Lesser Scaup at Wickham Lake and approximately 100 Common Mergansers at Tomahawk Lake. The real highlight of the day, however, was finding a pair of RIVER OTTERS at one location (I have heard that trappers will go for otters, so I am not giving details of their location. If you know me and are interested in going for them, shoot me an email). I have been dying to see River Otters, I’ve seen and heard of others seeing them several times this year, but I seemed to keep missing out. They were actively feeding – catching fish and just chomping them down. What a treat for me to witness this. What could make it better you ask? Oh yeah, the arrival of an adult Bald Eagle. I was floored, it was definitely the best outing I’ve had in quite a while!
WONDERFUL, Matt. Aren’t they fun to watch (and photograph)!
They were incredible Deb! I’m so happy! Matt
That’s great Matt! What a great find!
Thanks John, it was exciting! Matt
River Otters! How exciting and lucky that you got to see these beautiful creatures! I love your photos of them and the Bald Eagle shots as well. Glad to know that your day turned out so well.
Thanks so much Kathy! Went back today for more! Matt
Great find Matt! Otters are always so entertaining to watch!! Being on the Bash we are so lucky to see Beavers, Otters, and Minks. We had a Mink on our property last Sunday. You are so right about the birding. It is like pulling teeth. Spent yesterday hitting some of the water spots up in Sullivan County and waterfowl is at a premium. My best stop turned out to be Morningside Park where in addition to Canada Geese (155), I found 32 Common Mergansers, 11 Hooded Mergansers, and 19 American Black Duck. Very little waterfowl on Swan Lake (a handful of Hoodeds and Commons), and Kiamesha Lake (a handful of Mallard and Hoodeds), and nothing on the Rondout Reservoir which was a real surprise. My only highlights have been at home where I’ve been hosting a couple of Pine Siskins and Fox Sparrows the last few days. Hopefully, it will change soon!
Scotty
It’s got to change soon Scotty! It’s been a strange fall no doubt about it… nice to hear you have Pine Siskins. Matt
Hi Matt,
This is Dennis and Nahla. We met you when the Snowy Owl was hanging out near Skinner Lane several winters ago. Also walked with you up in Shawangunk last year.
Anyway, we always enjoy your photos; and would love to check out the otters if you don’t mind sharing the location.
Thanks Matt!
Good to hear from you Dennis and Nahla – I’ve emailed you directly. Matt
I saw the pair of otters at that location today 8/13/2017.
They peeked up at me, chatted a little bit, and then disappeared.
I have also seen a rather large Beaver at that same location. Interestingly, the Beaver home was located on the shoreline rather than out in the water.
Oh, that’s exciting Gwendolyn! Thanks so much for the update! Matt
Saw FOUR river otters in Orange Lake tonight, preceding a spotting one of our two – at least – adult bald eagles heading back to their nest. The otters swam right in front of our dock about 10 feet in front of me and I was too excited to take a picture. Really awesome. So sorry my wife missed it
That’s fabulous, Greg congrats. Hopefully you’ll get another look and your wife will see them as well. It’s always a joy to see river otters, it’s been too long since I’ve seen any. Matt