[Winni]

Originally Posted by Quilt Lady

When the waters came up, the mink that lives in our neighbor's breakwater moved out. I watched her as she took the family to the new den. I hope she comes back. It's a treat to see her scampering along the shore on our rocks. The local otter is still in the area but I'm not sure where the den is. Now, if only the pair of sharpshin hawks would just quiet down. They have a nest in a big tree nearby and are making such a racket! The loons near us do not seem to be a nesting pair . . . but they are still out there. Fortunately, they have been sticking close to shore so they are safe.

Hi, Quilt Lady!
I'm wondering if you live near me, as we too have a mink and otter that visit us. I usually only see the mink in summer and have not seen him yet, though he is usually quite tame...almost scarily so! I usually see quite a lot of the otter, and have not seen him since just before Ice Out. (He's a riot to watch skidding along the ice when there's just a slight covering of water over it!) It worries me that I haven't seen him.

We also have a merganser pair that usually nests near us. Last year they had 24 (honest!) babies! I haven't seen them since just after Ice Out. I haven't seen our usual loons in the cove either.

This is why I'm kind of worried and really wonder what's happening to all the wildlife. Thanks for your input.