The mild temperatures and king tides this past weekend provided wonderful paddling opportunities. Winter is the most peaceful time on the creek and offers close up views of wildlife we don't normally see in the warmer months. 

While we always enjoy watching the migrating ducks, it is the river otter that provides the most excitement. Although river otters are active in the area year round, we mainly see them during the winter months. 

Our latest view of the river otter occurred last week. The primarily nocturnal otter is most likely to be spotted early in the morning or close to sunset. They are social, playful and a treat to watch as they swim gracefully through the water. Otters have very dense fur and a soft under-fur. The coarse outer hair keeps them dry underwater and traps a layer of air to keep them warm. Otters have streamlined bodies, short limbs and webbed paws. Their favorite food is fish, which they easily catch and hold with their sharp claws. 

Come on by for a winter wildlife observation tour and you may get a close up look at the River Otter.