Canal wildlife triple

The Audlem Wildlife & Ecology Group met last night at the Lord Combermere and discussed a programme of events and visits over 2011 to a range of wildlife sites, near and far.

Those attending also reported any unusual local sightings. Adrian Leighton had quite a day walking the canal just before Christmas. On a dull, dreary December afternoon, his day was brightened by three clear views of an otter, right in the middle of the village.

This is the first reported sighting of otters in Audlem itself. Evidence of the animals have been seen to the north and south of the village in recent years, including by a visiting expert from Exeter University who has written one of the the standard works on otters and mink.

Adrian's afternoon then got even better. His next sighting was a Goosander, a saw-billed duck that is only seen occasionally in the area. And his day wasn't over. Next, it was a kingfisher, always a fine sight on the canal.

For anyone interested in wildlife, it was quite a afternoon. The photos, however, are not Adrian's – getting that otter shot would have made it a rather extraordinary afternoon's walk!

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