[EBB Sightings] visiting Jewel Lake

Dear Birders:

I just got back from Jewel Lake and, yes indeed, there are four otters.  Three were on the shore, the forth swimming and diving leaving behind necklaces of bubbles.  These are big animals.  Two buffleheads had wisely withdrawn to the far end of the lake while four mallards and three female (or Juvenal) golden eyes seemed unperturbed.  The naturalists I spoke with said the otters were catching mostly crayfish.  They believe that the otters worked their way up Wildcat Creek both in and out of the water.  I'm skeptical.

While driving down Centennial Drive in Strawberry Canyon this morning, a large dark bird flew up in front of me and then landed in a tree upslope.  When it spread out its black wings, I saw it was a vulture.  Then I smelled the pungent odor of skunk.  Vultures can't be accused of being picky eaters.

-Phila Rogers