Using a surace marker buoy as a tripod
as the lack of contrast is much less likely to attract the attention of animals on the shore . Our masks help by getting us lower in the water , while also shielding our eyes and so making us even less threatening .
When snorkelling with seals , it ’ s sometimes possible to view their bobbing heads out of the water , but please don ’ t approach a seal that has hauled out , as it ’ s chosen to be there for a reason – it needs to rest and warm up . Seals are less secure on land , where they cannot move quickly , and are more likely to act in a defensive , potentially dangerous manner . Allow them their space , always let the seal dictate the encounter .
Progressing along the rock gardens , stacks and outcrops of our coastline I have drifted towards a number of common bird species . Shags and cormorants are a familiar sight , but it can be difficult , on foot , to get close enough to tell them apart . One of the best marine bird spectacles can be seen at Bass Rock . This little rock island in the Firth of Forth is inundated with thousands of gannets during the month of May , and I ’ d argue the best way to see them is from the water .
Whether it ’ s boat , sea-kayak or snorkel , the sight of these mighty sea birds is incredible . But with snorkelling , you can see them truly in action . You see , after the birds go aloft , they dive bomb the fish like feathered javelins . To witness these creatures pierce the ocean surface and then following the attack underwater is mesmerising .
We ’ re not restricted to the aquatic world when it comes to bird spotting . Along our freshwater stretches we have plenty to see . I have flowed with the current past river banks teeming with life . I ’ ve swum within arm ’ s reach of kingfishers , the dark water acting as a sort of hide . I ’ ve yet to spot an otter with this unobtrusive method of wildlife observation ... but with the reintroduction of otters along my local river , hope springs eternal ! There ’ s no specialist skill or equipment required , other than good snorkelling skills . I believe a darker colour hood , mask and snorkel is an advantage . Try to minimise how much of you is above the surface , keep low and as vertical as possible to ensure most of your body is hidden beneath
the surface . Go with the flow if you can , to mimic a drifting object and make any movements , where essential , slow and deep to avoid splashes . Likewise , try not to blast water from your snorkel at some crucial moment , as the noise will disturb the animals . Be the crocodile ! �
For more information on snorkelling with BSAC go to bsac . com / snorkelling Looking to introduce snokelling into your club ? Find out more at bsac . com / snorkellinginstructor
Ready for a duck dive , anyone ?
65