Merganser sprint

Walking up the river today and was taking photos of this family of Merganser when a noisy gang of kids cycled past - the birds took off! 
...so to speak - the chicks are still too young to fly.

I saw the same family later at the usual otter spot and was poised with camera ready as the birds approached - I thought I might get a shot of an otter attacking.  But no - mamma bird saw the otter and they all fled - faster than in the photo as mamma actually took off!   Otter pursued them briefly .    Amazing to be able to see this a few minutes walk from home.