The Secret Life of the Otter

Andy Howard takes amazing photos. Many of them are not just photos, they are sheer artistry on the page. It's obvious that they are the product of long hours, hard won knowledge and a complete love and understanding of the natural world.But this is more than just a book of photos. Andy Howard tells the stories behind what he does and his experiences with wildlife. This is the kind of writing that you look forward to sitting down with, like receiving a great letter from a like minded person. He just tells the story of what he has been up to with so many interesting details on the creatures, the landscape and his sightings.It's not just Otters either, there are Eagles, Puffins, Seals, Guillemots, Herons, Whales. These extra photos are part of the tale, part of his experience of when he is out looking for Otters and takes his opportunity for other great photos.There is a short section of Sea otters in Canada which is very interesting.It is a good hardback book on nice glossy paper and would make a lovely gift for anyone with an interest in wildlife or photography, and even some advice for taking photographs.I also enjoyed the last book that Andy Howard did on Mountain Hares. I look forward to further offerings from this author/photographer and would love to see a book of his mixed photos too as the few additions here have been a tantalising taster of the quality of his work. His photos have that something extra. Highly Recommended.

Another lovely book about otters (I have pretty much exhausted Amazon's catalogue on them) gorgeous photographs not just of otters but landscapes of Scotland & Vancouver too

Superb insight to one of our most elusive creatures. I've been fortunate enough to seethe in the wild . This book will go a long way to broaden your knowledge and heighten your chances of spotting otters.

A well received Christmas present

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.

Andy Howard is clearly a man who respects the environment and is highly tuned to the wildlife that surrounds us.This book is a beautiful homage to the otter, a creature many of us have seen in captivity but few are lucky enough to see in the wild. With so many stunning photos you really get a feel for the full life of these beautiful creatures, as well as an appreciation of their habitat.Mostly centred around the Scottish otters he lives amongst but there is also a wee nod to Canadian Sea Otters.A beautiful book from start to finish.

We loved this book and would give it eight stars if it was possible.The pictures were lovely.(Oisín, age 8)

Barcode sticker right across front of book. I bought this as a gift and now can’t give it. If I peel sticker off it will leave a mark. Not sure why someone would stick it there? Seems silly for a book that is bought for it’s beautiful photos… the book itself is lovely though.

Gorgeous photo book about otters. Ideal for the otter lover on your list.

Libro molto bello. ottime foto, da collezionare.