River Otter at Wooton’s Landing Wetland Park

Our weatherman friend promised rain and clouds today, but the morning had just enough promise that I decided to take a chance and traveled to Wooton’s Landing. This park features several areas of marsh, and sits right next to the Patuxent River, a great mix of habitats.
In truth, not much was going on, and it looked like a Downy Woodpecker convention, as that was the predominant bird by far.
I’ve seen River Otters in other places. but not for a long time, so it was a surprise and a treat to see one fishing in one of the small marsh ponds.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker

There seemed to be a Downy Woodpecker in every other tree.

River Otter

River Otter

River Otter

River Otter

From The Chesapeake Bay Progfram:
“The river otter is a large, brown, weasel-like mammal found along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay and lakes, streams, rivers and marshes throughout the Bay watershed. Grows to 26-40 inches long, not including the tail, and weighs up to 18 pounds”