The Return

Last summer, there were optimistic thoughts for the river otter field studies my students and I were engaged in. Our cameras had been collecting consistent solid videos each period, the students were learning signs of otter in the field and we were observing several critters during our field work, including an epic hunt of a coot.

The new school year rolled around and the pendulum swung back. Cameras malfunctioned, were swallowed up by a rising pond and with new human disturbances, the otters vanished.

Environmental Science curriculum shifted away towards studies of coho salmon and coast redwoods. The responsibilities of Adult Life also intensified and with it, camera traps began to capture nothing but dust and cobwebs.

Late in the school year, a handful of otter reports began to trickle in (PSA: please submit any observations you have to Otter Spotter !) and with the days winding down, I finally mustered up the opportunity for the class to ramble down and check things out with our own eyes.

8 months of disappointment were pushed aside as we were given another hunting performance (unsuccessful) and the scat-splattered trail gave communication that several otters were likely residing.

Cameras were deployed in two new locations, with a homebrew being used for the first time.

Hi.

noble profile w/ bud

A few other critters dropped by to check in:

young grackle being a grackle

this raccoon vibing the return of Twin Peaks

Hopefully these charismatic beasts continue to stick around for next year's students to study. 

A Semester with the Otters

A quick review of the first six months of this past year's Biology class adventures with Las Gallinas Valley River Otters:

River Otters chasing down waterfowl (image courtesy Frankie Frost/Marin IJ)

Students identified latrine sites

Cameras were placed based on field surveys. The otters emerged and began to appear on camera from April on with a regularity.

Some grooming and general otter spazziness has been observed.

Students were able get a nice glimpse of their swimming patterns.

In addition to the otters, students have been able to get to know other local fauna. One of their favorites, CA kingsnakes, were out frequently this late spring/early summer.

The school year ended July 1st, but I have continued to collect data and craft curriculum this summer for next year's class, which transitions into Environmental Science.

not sure if there is a young one among this bunch

This has been a pretty awesome experience to share with my students and I hope that their appreciation for the natural world and the possibilities for citizen science have grown as a result.  

Next "year" is coming up soon and hopefully the adventure continues deeper into the story of the otter!

Introducing the Otters

Greetings loyal readers!

As mentioned a couple of months ago, my high school Biology classes are taking part of a pilot program with the River Otter Ecology Project, completing data surveys through camera trapping and scat collection.

Several initial disappointing camera checks frequently resulted in many captures of newish local resident, the devil bird:

...Or tremendous growth in shore plants that did offer a meditative atmosphere:

Throughout these trap fails, students were still able to build skills in identifying signs of otters, collect scat that is currently being analyzed at SF State, develop a greater understanding of the local ecosystem and from time to time, see them swimming at a a distance.

In April, with some minor camera adjustments after Spring Break, the students finally captured the local otters:

With a month left in the school year, students will close out this first otter school season with two more weeks of data, then compile a best of video. Exciting times!

In the news

Let's keep a post streak going.

Camera Trapping Campus has recently gone back to its name for inspiration.
My 9/10th grade Biology classes have teamed up with the mighty River Otter Ecology Project for some outdoor project based learning.

click me!

And my students made the local newspaper !

Looking forward to posting some of our adventures and misadventures.

Weasel Wednesday / Mustelid Miércoles

It would be nice if this was a regular feature.
We'll see if the camera trap gods allow it !

taken last spring at the las gallinas dock -- our usual happy hour spot

Marin and Sonoma County River Otters

Photo by Donald Kinney

A couple of River otter sightings in Marin and Sonoma Counties this past week for your enjoyment ...

The first on my radar was a sighting by local photographer Donald Kinney.  Donald usually does street photography and Marin County landscapes especially those involving water.  So it was a real treat for him to see some of our local wildlife that he had never seen before and was not real familiar with.

The second sighting was an otter that was rescued from a school in Rohnert Park.

There is no river in the area where the otter was found but there are some seasonal creeks created by the recent rainfall.

It’s not unusual in winter for otters to make exploratory trips up seasonal creeks, then wander away from the stream when they end.

Finally, the River Otters of Shollenberger Park in Petaluma, were dealt a blow as the City Council voted to approve a controversial new asphalt plant which may impact the park and the otter's habitat.