If you’re looking to photograph puffins, murres, murrelets, guillemots, and auklets on the sea or on perches close to the water, approaching them by boat is the best—and often only—way. Here’s how to get your shot. Choose the right boat In general, for almost any kind of wildlife situation, the closer a photographer can get to eye level when taking a picture, the more engaging the image will be. When it comes to alcids, although a long lens can give you great in-flight shots from a large boat or even ship, small boats that sit low in the water, such as Zodiacs, are your best bet for getting face-to-face with birds floating on the water’s surface. Stay dry Salt water can be very damaging to equipment. If there’s any chance of splashing waves or rough seas, it’s a good idea to protect your camera and lens with a waterproof sleeve, available from companies like LensCoat. En route, keep your gear in a waterproof sack, such as an NRS dry bag, which folds flat or...