[obol] Ridgefield: OTTER takes COOT diving, then out to lunch

[Dennis P. Vroman]

Check the sewage treatment ponds while doing a Illinois Valley CBC a few 
years back, there was a "family" of Otters in the ponds.  One went to the 
ground at the pond edge where some Coots were standing.  The Coots didn't 
waste any time moving in the opposite direction as the Otter came from the 
water.  The Otter went back into the water.  Thought perhaps the Otter was 
attempting to get a Coot for a snack I wasn't sure.  After reading your 
message, I have a better idea of what the Otter was up to.   Thanks,
Dennis (north of Grants Pass)


> On Thursday at Ridgefield NWR, Clay Davis witnessed a natural
> spectacle. I told him I would report the following for him as he does
> not use a computer:
>
> Near the Hunters' Gate on the River "S" Unit, Clay Davis spotted a lone
> River Otter swimming in the water control canal prior to the Hunters'
> Gate.  The Otter exited the water for a moment, then reentered the
> water well behind 3 American Coots and then submerged.  Clay focused on
> the Otter's small ripples and bubbles as they approached the three
> unknowing Coots from their rear.
>
> All of a sudden, the Otter surfaced directly under the center Coot and
> firmly lifted the Coot out of the water.  The Otter immediately
> submerged again while the Coot began protesting loudly.  Clay said the
> "take" was so quiet that the other 2 Coots were unshaken until their
> companion's loud protestations got their attention.  They then flew
> off.
>
> The Otter stayed under until the Coot was presumably drowned, and then
> the Otter surfaced, moved out of the water onto the dike and took the
> Coot to lunch.  Clay said that when the Otter finished its lunch, there
> were only wings and feet left.
>
> Nature plays out whether folks are there to witness the drama or not.
>
>
> Bill Clemons for Clay Davis