Shetland otters are active by day and if you watch patiently you should be rewarded with good views of these fascinating animals. Remember to walk into the wind, as otters have a keen sense of smell(!) and continue to look well ahead for signs of movement. The best time to look is either side of low tide when they are busy hunting among the kelp beds using their sensitive whiskers to locate prey. The animals soon habituate to man and the ferry terminals at Toft and Gutcher are good places to see them. In winter and spring mother and cubs (usually one or two) can often be seen together. Cubs are born blind and do not leave the natal holt until they are about 2 months old when their mother takes them for their first dip in the sea. Some 8 months later the family will split up.

WATCHING SEA MAMMALS
When watching seals and otters remain quiet and stay close to the ground to minimise disturbance and to get the best views!

CETACEAN SIGHTINGS
Please report sightings of cetaceans to the Shetland Sea Mammal Group, c/o SNH, Stewart Building, Ground Floor, Alexandra Wharf; Lerwick, ZE1 0LL. TeI: (01595) 0693345. Remember to record details of the date, location, species, number of animals and supply a brief description or photograph of whales and dolphins sighted, if available.

WHALE WATCHING
When trying to identify whales and dolphins the key features to note are the shape of the dorsal fin, its position relevant to the body, the head shape, general colour and pattern, length, presence and shape of blow. And remember in Shetland anything is possible. Beluga, sperm whale and fin whale have all been seen in recent years.