In June 2022, I visited the River Otter at Otterton in east Devon for the first time, primarily with the aim of seeing the wild Beavers that are now well-established there .... see here and here. It proved to be very successful and I saw Beavers during both my evening and early morning visits.
On 22nd and 23rd June 2025, I had my second visit to the location but, despite evening and early morning visits again, the Beavers unfortunately proved to be elusive .... absent!
However, at least other wildlife sightings made the visit worthwhile. The highlight was undoubtedly an exceptionally close view of a Kingfisher that landed on a branch just a few feet away.
Other birds recorded over the 2 days included the following (heard only records in italics): Common Buzzard (2), Sparrowhawk (1), Tawny Owl (male heard calling once), Grey Wagtail (at least 1), Mallard (3 females, each with varying numbers of ducklings of different ages), Blackcap (at least 1 singing male heard), Chiffchaff (at least 2 singing males heard), Swallow (at least 20 over the village and river), House Martin (at least 20 over the village and river), Swift (at least 10 over the river), Shelduck (2 on the nature reserve adjacent to the river), Little Egret (3 on the nature reserve adjacent to the river), Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Pheasant, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Robin, Wren, Goldfinch, Pied Wagtail
In addition, I saw a
group of 7 or 8 male Banded Demoiselles and a single Blue-tailed Damselfly.
Although I didn't see any Beavers this time, here are some of my photos from my visit in June 2022 ....
Here are some links and videos that provide more information on the remarkable and very welcome return of wild Beavers in east Devon ....
Devon Wildlife Trust - Beavers
Devon Wildlife Trust - Where to see Beavers
How Beavers fully revitalised this UK river
Love nature .... act now
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