The Secret Life of the Otter

by Andy Howard (Photographer), Gordon Buchanan (Foreword)

Otters are among Britain's most popular and endearing wild creatures. Made famous by literary phenomenon Ring of Bright Water, they have taken the place in the hearts of the British people. Previously threatened, their survival is now as assured as that of any wildlife can be. Andy Howard has been photographing them for more than a decade, especially on the Isle of Mull, Shetland, and Vancouver Island in Canada. His stunning photography will amaze and enlighten. His story will be reread many times.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published May 3, 2021

About the author

Andy Howard is a leading wildlife photographer located in the Scottish Highlands. His principal subjects are mountain hares, otters, red squirrels, and the birds of the Cairngorms. Andy contributes to many periodicals and other outlets. He has a large following on social media and a popular web site.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw this book I knew I had to have a copy…I mean get a copy for my daughter and then impatiently wait for her to so very slowly read it. Eventually I got to have a read and it is a beautiful book, so much care has been taken to make this book look good, the layout of the photographs, the quality of the paper and even the font are all pleasing to the eye. As for the photographs themselves, I was left feeling jealous that Howard has this skill/luck for capturing so many stunning images whilst I have never seen an otter in the wild. The time he dedicates to capturing that one moment in an image is crazy, so many hours lying in wait in “Scottish summer conditions” is not something my body could handle. Howard shares these experiences with us via introductions to each chapter and you can sense the emotion in those words as he reminisces over getting that one photograph he has always wanted to get.

My favourite images in the collection were of the otters eating, happily munching into another creature as big as them, the moment of eating seems to be where they let their guard down a bit and Howard is able to get many great shots of them. He also shares the knowledge of this animal he has gained as he spent so much time tracking them down, he shares with us what signs to look out for and the best way to act around them so that you can get close enough to get that awesome photograph of your own. He also shares the importance of it not just being about the otter, where they live is usually in an area of incredible beauty so make sure you include that in your photograph…and to also look away from the lens for a moment to enjoy your surroundings.

This is one of those must have books, something that you can keep opening up and guarantee to have a smile on your face as you see what the otters are up to, it is also a book that your kids will love.

Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2021...

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly stunning book this is by photographer and guide Andy Howard. The photos are to die for, they tell the story of this smart, sleek and shy animal. Andy is a modest man and remains to be humbled by his encounters with these fantastic animals. The book consists of loads of photos and also contains some field notes with stories of all his encounters. What an absolute pleasure to read again and again, this is definitely one of the best otter books ever.

[Barbara Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly stunning photography which prompted me out of the door and to the river at sunset, binoculars and camera in hand. The very best kind of nature book. I especially loved the field notes at the end.

[Sydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Otters are my favorite animals and reading this book truly enhances their lives and their personalities. I thought that these images were very well done and the narration throughout the book is very descriptive. I would recommend this book to any otter lover.