October afforded me a few days to spare so I decided to make a 3 day trip up to Minsmere staying at a campsite next door to now renowned RSPB Reserve.

A delightful time occasionally interrupted with the odd shower and strong winds.

Like most keen wildlife enthusiasts I was after a few ‘firsts’ and was duly rewarded.
Spending a bit of time in the Island Mere Hide I was rewarded with a pretty good view of two Otters swimming in a pool amongst the reeds about 30 meters away.

I was looking for Bearded Tits really (see next post) so the Otter came as a nice surprise.

On my way back to the Restaurant there (good price and great food) I happened upon three Munjacs. I’d caught eye on some earlier in the day but they were quick to get away. Probably fed up with cameras being pointed at them.

I’d never seen them before and could only explain them as short dumpy Deer and looking like a somewhat oversized Dog!

Going through more grassland I was hoping to get a view of any late Adders, but none to be seen.

The nice thing about Minsmere is the ever changing habitats; you have woodland, marshland, grass, fields and the beach of course.
A little on the busy side, thanks to Springwatch, but well worth the visit.