The Osprey and the Otter Family

Just after sunrise I found an osprey perched unusually close to the wildlife drive at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, bright yellow eyes fixed on the calm water below, talons gripping a skinny, leafless branch. The slightest breeze could easily rock his balance.

I pulled over, rolled down the window and quietly extended my camera out the window. He shot me a look and then returned his gaze to the water below. I waited patiently, eyes looking through the lens, hoping he would take off after a fish. Then, splash! Something big slapped the surface of the water. Still I kept my eye on the osprey. Then came a snort noise. It takes a lot to divert my attention from a bird that could take flight at any second, but I couldn’t ignore the commotion below.

To my surprise I saw, not one, not two, but a family of three otters huddled close, just their heads peeking out of the water. We were equally curious about each other. Although hard to see through the shoreline shrubs and phragmites, I could easily hear their heavy, snort-like breathing.

The osprey decided he was going to find a less crowded fishing spot, and took flight.

The otters continued to swim along the shoreline, giving me an opportunity to watch them dive under, pop up and repeat.