Devon Beaver Family
As mentioned on the Devon Wildlife Trust, 5 beaver kits had been spotted on the River Otter in August. This is rather a large family as the norm is usually 3 but clearly an indication that the re-introduction and monitoring project is going well. No one is sure where the beavers originated, but there is evidence that at least one was living on the River Otter as far back as 2007. The animals are now the subject of a 5 year monitoring programme.
By the time I got the opportunity this week to spend a few evenings on the River Otter, I discovered that the shortening days were going to be an issue. Back in July/August the adult beavers were out in the evenings and the kits were clearly visible. Neither were going far from the lodge. With the Beavers emerging at 8pm ish there was always plenty of light. The location of lodge is a photographic gem. Perfect for reflections. Now the sun has gone by 8ish so photo opportunities are a bit harder. Also the kits are far more independent and now tend to slip out of the lodge through the back door and head of down stream to the feeding area.
However, it is still possible to watch and observe. These animal move through the water without a sound and without bubbles It appears that there is very little verbal communication between mother and kits. This is so different to Otters. What can be heard is the crunching sounds of eating!
So far I have had a 75% success rate in seeing these animals however even after just a few visits this week, I feel that I have learnt a significant amount. Roll on next summer.
Devon Beaver Family
As mentioned on the Devon Wildlife Trust, 5 beaver kits had been spotted on the River Otter in August. This is rather a large family as the norm is usually 3 but clearly an indication that the re-introduction and monitoring project is going well. No one is sure where the beavers originated, but there is evidence that at least one was living on the River Otter as far back as 2007. The animals are now the subject of a 5 year monitoring programme.
By the time I got the opportunity this week to spend a few evenings on the River Otter, I discovered that the shortening days were going to be an issue. Back in July/August the adult beavers were out in the evenings and the kits were clearly visible. Neither were going far from the lodge. With the Beavers emerging at 8pm ish there was always plenty of light. The location of lodge is a photographic gem. Perfect for reflections. Now the sun has gone by 8ish so photo opportunities are a bit harder. Also the kits are far more independent and now tend to slip out of the lodge through the back door and head of down stream to the feeding area.
However, it is still possible to watch and observe. These animal move through the water without a sound and without bubbles It appears that there is very little verbal communication between mother and kits. This is so different to Otters. What can be heard is the crunching sounds of eating!
So far I have had a 75% success rate in seeing these animals however even after just a few visits this week, I feel that I have learnt a significant amount. Roll on next summer.