Otter Active Yesterday at Ponca Low Water Bridge

River Otter have been active a lot in the last month just below the Ponca Low Water Bridge (downstream) and yesterday was no exception. Looking downstream from the bridge there is a den on the left bank. The most reliable time is about 10AM.  River otter are a bit hard to spot, but look for wakes and unexpected ripples in the river. Usually as they feed they will work their way up river feeding along the bluffs.  Photographing river otter is an athletic event requiring fast reactions and a fast shutter speed. Expect them to stop and look back at you as in the photo below. There are at least 2 families of otter one with much smaller juveniles. Altogether there are 8 otter I think. Many photographers have shot them recently as a result of my postings about them and conversations.

River Otter by Ponca Low Water Bridge

Wading the Buffalo

Today the river otter made an appearance at the Ponca Low Water Bridge. This Photographer is hiking upstream to get close to the otter family that is feeding in the pool in front of her.  The weedy gravel bars of the Buffalo River are pretty easy to wade, the water is seldom a foot deep. The safest gear for wading the river are felt soled boots with studs to cope with slippery rocks.  Hip boots are more than enough. These can be pretty affordable from big outfitting stores like Bass Pro.  If you wade the river, you need to make sure your camera equipment is insured as well.  If you hike into remote areas of the river you should have an Emergency Beacon. The best ones use the FAA Band. This could save your life. 

Wading the Buffalo for Otter Photos

River Otter Low Water Bridge Pool

The river otter family I have photographed a few times was in the pool just downsteam from the low water bridge at the Ponca Access this morning at 9:30 AM. Not sure this pattern will repeat reliably, but I know quite a few photographers who are interested in otter. Look for ripples along the banks and you might see them. Otter are curious and will stop and look at you (like below).  I usually over-expose to get more detail in the dark areas that tend to block up. 

My survey of the valley showed no elk this morning. Typically in 90 degree weather the elk pack it in early as soon as the sunlight hits the fields. If you want to see elk I recommend getting to the valley before 7AM. 

River Otter at Ponca Access, Buffalo Ntional River

Whitetails Crossing the Buffalo Pano

Another cold, icy day.  Time to fiddle with more post processing. This picture is the 4th from the shoot I got from the Ponca low water bridge. Nice to get the deer all the way across the Buffalo. 

Getting stir crazy to get out and shoot. These gray skies can't last forever. 

Whitetails Crossing the Buffalo River at the Ponca Access

Whitetails Crossing the Buffalo at Ponca

I got to the valley late today, almost didn't go because it was so cold.  After a talk with myself, I went -- it was 17 degrees.  No elk to be seen except scattered bulls that offered no great photo opportunity. 

As is my habit, I kept grinding. I made a second visit to the Ponca Access and saw a group of 7 does and fawn north of the low water bridge. Experience has taught me to wait and see what might happen. As it turned out they piled into the river fairly close to my parked car and gave me a nice series of crossing shots. 

Don't underestimate the Ponca low water bridge as a setup spot for wildlife crossings. There are trails close to the bridge both upstream and downstream, and others further on both directions. I have shot deer, otter, white winged crows, bald eagles, green herons, blue herons, king fishers, and elk in the river from the bridge. It is worthwhile. I usually stop there twice on any visit to Boxley Valley, sometimes 4 times if I make a double survey of the valley. 

Whitetails Crossing the Buffalo at Ponca Low Water Bridge