A wonderful moment captured, or imagined, in the playful, cavorting, dangerous life of an otter. Here Tarka’s mate whistles to him and he responds in joy.

‘Soon he heard a whistle, and a feeling of joy warmed his being.’ 

Williamson’s is one of the most enchanting and exquisitely crafted nature books I have read. Here is my celebration of it, complete with a mosaic of choice illustrated quotations.

Source: Henry Williamson, Tarka the Otter: His joyful water-life and death in the two rivers, illus. C.F. Tunnicliffe (Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, 1976 (1927)), p. 86

Photo credit: Huskyherz at pixabay