Prime target for today’s Druridge Bay mini-safari was to see Otters. Walking along the River Wansbeck, the air was shimmering in the heat and we enjoyed good views of ducks, geese and herons. Swallows and martins were swooping around the treetops and drinking from the river and Chaffinches, Wrens, Blackcaps and Whitethroats were all engaging in some midday serenading. As we drove up the coast an adult Mediterranean Gull kept pace with us for over a minute. Bloody Cranesbill, Viper’s Bugloss and Common Spotted Orchid added a splash of colour to the verdant grassland and we settled at our picnic spot. Common Terns and two incredibly vocal Sandwich Terns were close by as myself, Martin and Jill scanned the pond. Chance dictated that the direction I was facing saw the appearance of our target; a rounded head bobbed into view, then the dark, sinuous shape of a diving otter. It gradually worked it’s way across the pool, then back again, repeatedly rolling on it’s back to enjoy a healthy lunch of fresh fish. Eventually, it moved out of view and we all left with memories of this stunning predator. Birdwatching, botany and elusive mammals; that’s why I love Northumberland so much – there’s something for all natural history interests.