1st July 2025 - late afternoon, Norfolk Broads

I’ve never seen an Otter on the Broads. Visitor logs at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen tell me they are quite a common sight. Though not as exciting admittedly, today I spotted a perfect little riverbank cave on the opposite stretch of the River Yare. They remain elusive to me but I am encouraged by sightings becoming more frequent. I understand that stricter water quality regulations have been successful in coaxing them back to the Yare - splendid. There is hope that I will spot one yet. My ears prick up each time I walk along the riverbank and hear the lapping of the water against the bank. This is usually from a passing sail boat but I still excitedly grab my binoculars and scan both banks, just in case.

It was a perfect Summer afternoon today - though some might scoff and cite the extreme heat as a reason not to use that phrase. I try to embrace each of the seasons equally. Each turn of the seasons brings new joy and change, that I feel blessed to experience. Life is not guaranteed, I see this daily in the news and the natural world.

The Bittern also remains an elusive creature to me. I hear his booms regularly, tantalisingly close sometimes, though I understand this is likely due to the unusual acoustics on The Broads that affects the ability to judge acoustic distances. This does not vex me. I know when the time comes, it will be all the more special. Bird friends advise me to head down to the promisingly named Bittern Hide at RSPB Minsmere.

English Walnut (Juglans regia), Norfolk