Riverside rambles: Alex’s wild walks along the Otter

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?Alex Walton

Published: 10:14 AM June 11, 2020 Updated: 7:12 PM November 7, 2020

River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography - Credit: Picture: Alex Walton Photography

Photographer Alex Walton shares his wildlife photos captured during walks along the River Otter

River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography - Credit: Picture: Alex Walton Photography

It’s been a year of ‘firsts’ for me as a photographer, not just because of the new challenges the pandemic has brought, but also the vast array of wildlife I’ve managed to capture on my daily walks along the River Otter.

I have caught on camera for the first time: a goosander and her chicks, otters, a great spotted woodpecker and more.

River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography - Credit: Picture: Alex Walton Photography

But the ultimate trophy in my photo album has got to be a beaver with its kit, which I spotted feeding in the shallows.

The hardest part of these wild walks has been putting the alarm clock on for 4am in order to head out for sunrise.

River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography - Credit: Picture: Alex Walton Photography

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The benefit of early starts is that is when animals tend to wake and you are most likely to spot these wonders of nature.

I have been lucky enough to observe and photograph a variety of animals for the first time while out walking the banks of the Otter, between my hometown of Ottery St Mary and Otterton.

River Otter Rambles. Picture: Alex Walton Photography - Credit: Picture: Alex Walton Photography