This quest is over.

[MN Shutterbug]

I've been wanting a photo of an otter for several years. I've been driving close to 100 miles each way to a NWR that is known to have otters. Every time I go, I come home skunked. Today I decided to drive the back roads not far from Marshall, just to see what I could come across. I stopped my car at one spot and walked on this trail alongside a small slough, with a little pool also on the other side of the trail. I heard a splash and at first thought I was seeing a beaver. Then he turned my way. I got so excited that I almost filled my pants. I quickly ran back to my car and grabbed my camera and hightailed it back. I sat in some weeds and sure enough he reappeared on the other side. He was really enjoyable to watch. He knew a stranger was in the area, but he had no idea how strange. After a few clicks of my shutter he'd huff and grunt a little and look around and at times, jump straight up out of the water, trying to get a better view of me. It was a fun ride. Now I need a skunk.

[ThunderLund78]

That's a great story. Congrats on achieving your goal. My favorite is the last one.

[LeeKen]

Congratulations on the otter and the great shots!

[eyeguy 54]

Cool and congrats!

[Jim Almquist]

Great story and some great shots as well!!

[fishinchicks]

Isn't that the way it always goes?

Love the whole series. Otters are so darn cute!

[Dbl]

Congratulations Mike! Some very nice shots of fun animal. It is just cool to observe these guys, let alone get photos.

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks, all.

Yes Dan, it was a lot of fun to observe him. I'm going to go visit him again in the a.m. Maybe I'll bring a couple fish along and try and coax him closer.

[MootScoot]

I love the one where he's standing straight up looking back at you like "who are you, and what are you doing here?". Great shots!

[hookncook]

Great shots, I liked the framing of the second to the last one. Nice use of the grass!

Reflection on the last shot was cool too.

"now i just need a skunk" Although, I am fearful to say my friend you may have mistitled your thread. Should be called "the quest has just begun".

[MN Shutterbug]

Considering how seldom a skunk is seen during daylight. I wouldn't waste my time actually hunting for one. Thanks.

[EBass]

That's so cool!

[itchmesir]

those shots are absolutely amazing! bravo!

[c0untryf1sh3r]

Great shots Mike. Kinda reminds me of Dennis Gage, the guy that hosts My Classic Car on the Speed channel. Look at a picture of Dennis then look at a pic of the otter and you'll see the resemblance is outstanding.

[captainshane]

Very cool!

[dan z]

I don't visit this forum enough, you guys and gals always have great

Photo's thanks for the great photo's. And keep them coming

[Deitz Dittrich]

awesome work.. if I had to pick a fave., the 2nd to last..

[DonBo]

Very cool creatures, funny how they look so much like seals when in the water.

Had a deer stand near a beaver pond years ago that held a family of otters. Got to watch them pretty close up for most of a week. An awesome experience I'll never forget.