A fairly reliable source claims to have recently seen otters in the Irwell near to Iron Bridge, Stacksteads. I suggested they were more probably Mink but this was disputed, anyone got any further sightings etc.?
I have also heard this rumour. Whilst there have been rumours of otters lower down the Irwell Valley, which may hold some truth, it is unlikely that the sightings near Iron Bridge are genuine. Otters prefer banks adjacent to cover and certainly not the high retaining walls that occur on that stretch of the Irwell, as I understand it. I am no expert on otters but like you when I heard the rumour my first thought was mink rather than otter.
I have had several reports over the years of otters around Strongstry, all have been Mink. Except an occasion which occurred in August 2012, there was a report of an "otter" from Nuttall park, four days later three workmen disturbed an "otter" under Alderbottom viaduct whilst clearing a tree after the floods in June. I was asked to keep a look out along the river, between the dates of the 10th and 12th an otter was clearly seen upstream of Stubbins bridge and upstream of the picture frame by myself and two other people. I reported this to Lancashire wildlife, at that time there was a researcher from Manchester University doing work on otters in the Manchester area who spent some time on the river here, but no further sightings were made.
There are several records of otters in Manchester, the most famous being the one on CCTV in the city centre [2009] adjacent to the River Irwell. I have spent many hours photographing otters on Mull on the west coast of Scotland and have been privileged to have seen them in quite a few English rivers. It was recently announced by the Mammal Society that otters have now been recorded recently in every county, the last being Kent.
So when I now get a report from the Irwell I follow it up and don't assume it was a Mink as I have no doubt that they will be seen hear and even breed in the next few years.
Thanks Kevin and Brian most comprehensive replies. I too have spent some time on Mull watching otters along with the abundant wildlife not least large raptors. One memorable day at Grasspoint/Lochdon I watched otters swimming in very close proximity to a perched pair of White tailed eagles, don't think I'll see that on The Irwell. but maybe an otter, I hope.
-- Edited by Greengrass on Monday 5th of January 2015 12:15:45 PM
There is a small white cottage at the end of the road at Grasspoint, we have stayed in that a couple of times it is a truly wonderful place as we are sure you would agree, the attached picture is from that spot in May 2013.
Lovely photo Brian, brings back some great memories. Sorry I haven't replied earlier but as a matter of interest would otter ( probably young ones ) be on the menu for WTE or Golden Eagle.?
A lot of research and analysis of the contents of Eagle nests (both species) after fledging has been carried out with some strange results, but I have never heard of Otter being found. The research is used to establish how many lambs are taken so the local land owners can claim compensation which helps protect the Eagles.
A strange fact is the biggest cause of death of Otter is road kill, hard to believe especially on the west coast of Scotland.
