Hurricane Zeta Left A Lot Of Critters Homeless

   If ever you are on the Bayou and are out on the pier before daybreak, do not be fearful if you hear some mighty strange noises.  The Bayou is not haunted...well, maybe it is but the noises are not ghosts.  It is not unusual to hear clicks, yips, squeaks and crunches near the marshes.  These are all sounds that a natural to the area.

  A family of otters lived in a wallowed out den under the marsh mats before Hurricane Zeta came ashore.  Now their home sits tumbled up in the yard.  The otters were left homeless by the storm surge but being the resourceful critters they are, it did not seem to bother them.  In fact, the family is taking full advantage of the damaged pier and our inability to be on it.  They are happy campers that we are not there to interrupt their dining.  

  Hurricane Zeta left the fish in a turmoil as well as all of the other critters.  The Bay is teeming with all sorts of swimmy things and the otters are being well fed.  Yesterday morning, I managed to catch a couple of photos as the family feasted upon little mullet.  The happy squeaks of the pups and the gurgles of the adults makes me believe that the family is thriving regardless of having their home ripped from them.  Most likely, they have already created a new living space and, hopefully, that is not far from the pier.  I so enjoy their antics (even though they raid the crab traps!).

Sound the Alarm! There is a Monster on the Pier!!!

  My usual morning hike to the pier was delayed by a good four hours. The grass needed cutting and I wanted to take advantage of the morning's coolness.  Ha!  So much for that.  With no wind, it was sweltering hot!  It still is.  But....I pushed a lawnmower instead of lounging about on the pier.  All of the upper part of the yard is now cut and looks nice.  Tomorrow will see me, once again, out at daybreak pushing that mower.

  However, my hike down the pier was eventful even at the late hour.  About half way down the pier, I noticed the otter slides in the soft mud. They looked recent so I started looking for the playful pups.  After about five minutes of staring at marsh, I realized that the four pups were right beneath me!  All four had taken refuge under the pier and were terrified to move.  The monster (me) on the pier was too frightening!  Now I was in a fix!  I was so very close to the pups but still could not get the coveted photograph! After a couple of attempts, I eased my way down the pier a bit further in hopes that the pups would come out to play.  No such luck!  From my brother's pier, I heard a desperate cry.  A loud squeak from Mama Otter told her babies to stay put and that she was coming. She hurried through the marsh trails until she was sure that I was not between her and the pups. Her squeaks changed tones and all four little ones dashed to her side and the family slid under the thatched marsh that hid their nest.  Safe!  But my chance at the elusive photo was gone.

Young otter pup was too close for a clear photo!

  Then a barking sound came from behind me.  Papa Otter had heard the commotion and came to help Mama.  He took the more direct approach of trying to scare me.  He barked, dove under water, barked and then made his way under the pier.  The distraction was enough to let his little family nestle down under the thatching.  He soon slipped into the marsh and from a different direction entered the nest.  All were safe and sound!  

Papa Otter coming to the rescue!

   I enjoy the little otters and hope they always nest near the pier.  Their antics amuse me and it is good to know the marsh is healthy enough to support life. I will ease down early in the morning before cutting to see if I can get another glimpse of my little friends.