WINTER’S WILDLIFE

A high-pitched squeak rippled over a fast-flowing river and put eyes on alert for our most radiant bird.

Kingfishers are not blessed with a song to match their brilliance. A sharp, shrill whistle followed by a flash of blue are the sum of most encounters with these vibrant dandies.

But while the kingfisher remained conspicuous by its absence, the screeches and squeals got louder.

Then a distinctive shape cut through the bubbling surface of the Little Ouse as it courses through Suffolk’s Brecklands.

A blunt snout and muscular tail were all the clues needed to identify an otter returning with a fish supper for her noisy pup left balancing on a log.

Only when the young otter began feasting on a stone loach – a bottom-feeding fish – did the squealing subside.

With a supervisory glance at the pup, mum slipped back into the water to continue hunting.

Such maternal devotion is essential for young otters to survive but, importantly, so is quality freshwater. Otter numbers increased nationwide towards the end of the last century after harmful chemicals in the food chain were banned along with the dreaded practice of hunting.

Today, 10,300 individual otters inhabit Britain. Yet a recent worrying survey in Wales showed a downturn in numbers, with signs of the animals at only 70% of sites compared to 90% in 2010.

Scientists warn that fragmentation of habitat, accidents with road traffic and pollution all potentially play a part in otter survival rates.

This is why a survey of English otters being organised by the Mammal Society and Environment Agency is so essential.