Tully River Otter

It has always been the same with me. I become enamored with an area and devour it 'til there's nothing left to explore. But this place was singularly exceptional and I find myself returning when in need of still waters and green pastures.

Locating my favored resting tree, I settled comfortably to a view of a trail where I hoped I might see a Buck checking his scrape line for doe scent. To my right, the still waters of Boyce Brook dammed by Beaver. Sun rays absorbed by my black Naval cap warmed my head and my Gore-tex camouflage coat, like a comforter, warmed my body. Soothing sounds of water trickled through loose sticks atop the Beaver dam. And I promptly fell asleep.

I've noticed I fall asleep quite easily lately. Could it be my age or, possibly, the fact I'd been up since 2:30 to catch the Leonid meteor shower. Both, probably. And it briefly crossed my mind I would not see another of this special astronomical display in my lifetime.

Otter

     The sounds of an animal making snorting sounds interrupted my reverie. Not a Deer, but a pair of River Otter swimming along the grasses on the edge of the stream. Undulating continuously over and under the water, one caught a small fish along the edge of the grass and dipatched it with apparent relish.

     Otter are smart, curious, but especially cautious of humans I've observed. One of the pair broke off and slipped down a side stream. The other swam my way to check me out.

Otter

Otter

     If they see, smell, or hear something that's different they become suspicious and will lift their heads as high as necessary to look around.

Not completely happy with my presence it snorted away upstream along the bank and out of sight. I was most thankful for the privilege of sharing another memorable day with the other animals within the woods of North Central Massachusetts.