Monday, August 24, 2009

Birding by Kayak

It was a nice day to go kayaking...






I saw Lynne's Turkey Vulture friend in the sky...






..and a Blue Heron with an itch.






He looks so regal standing on that tree branch.




What's a lake without a gang of Mallard Ducks?





And who better to sing to me from the trees as I paddle by than my little Chickadee friend.

44 comments:

Andrea said...

Awesome trip.
I really like the blue heron shots.
We recently saw a heron perched on the cover of a speed boat. My guess would be the owner doesn't think it is as funny as we did.

Ginnymo said...

What beautiful photos. It must be so peaceful on the water in a kayak. You are almost at the level with the water, which makes for some real nice shots. Love the Heron pics. I am waiting for a Black-capped chickadee but haven't spotted one yet. My Tufted Titmouse is back though. I love those little birds. Looks like you are really enjoying your summer Shelly!!

Tim Rucci said...

What a great way to 'escape' to nature for a little while. You are fortunate to be near the lake and right in the middle of so many interesting birds and animals.

Ms. ~K said...

Shelley,
Birdies follow you around and pose for you, everywhere you go!
Beautiful shots...My fave is the chickadee.

I have the beautiful redpole card sitting on my desk...it brightens my day! May I add a link to your nature store on my blog? I didn't find the Vick t-shirts.

Kit

troutbirder said...

Absolutely, positively the best way (or in a canoe) to get those close up views of the wild things. You did good, Shelley!

Wildflowerhouse said...

What a wonderful time you had. I love the photo's , everyone of them. The lake was so quiet and calm.I wish I was there. Thanks Shelley for sharing. Sharon

Montanagirl said...

Great trip! The Blue Heron photos are the best. Love the little Chickadee too!

holdingmoments said...

Lovely shots Shelley, and what a way to travel and see the wildlife.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Oh wow,these pictures are gorgeous.Love that first one,the water is like glass.

A New England Life said...

Your right, it really was a nice day to go kayaking! Wonderful things to see along the way. That's the thing about these little trips, you just never know what surprises lurk just for you!

Dorothy said...

Love that first picture!! The reflections on that mirror smooth water are wonderful! Of course, I love all your birds, too.

Chris said...

Hi Shelley,
Wow, birding in Kayak is ok but with the camera... Gosh I would have to practice Kayak first ;-) Do you have some protection for the camera!
I agree that this kind of trip looks like a wonderful nature experience, with no noise, the pleasure of paddling and the beauty of mother nature. All these things we can feel in your pictures, a beautiful post indeed.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

How come no one else is commenting on the handsome TUVU? :)

That Heron sctarching his eye is too funny- I think he needs a cation contest.

Anonymous said...

LOVE those shots!!! Especially the heron on one leg!!! It must be so peaceful, silently gliding along....

Judy said...

Beautiful shots!

Elaine said...

Oh, what a wonderful day you had! All of the photos are lovely, but gotta say I like the sweet Chickadee best.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks Shelley for taking me along with you on your kayak birding trip. I enjoyed it very much --especially seeing the Blue Heron.

Love,
Bets

Eve said...

I need to get me one of them kayaks Shelley!!

Cindy said...

Beautiful photos. That Great Blue Heron is gorgeous.

How are the baby Loons doing?

Jayne said...

What a great kayak trip, with so many great friends along the way! :c)

Jenny said...

That water looks amazing Shelley! Looks like you had a perfect, peaceful day with some feathered friends!

Knatolee said...

Oh, I adore the heron photos!! I so need to get out kayaking, SOON.

Sierra Rose said...

Quite amazing photos!

Nice to visit your site! We did some birding by kayak this past weekend on the Russian River. Take a look - 20hr camptrip to the Russian River - on my site :
www.goldensierrarose.blogspot.com

Mom's folks are quite avid birders, and travel around the US and Canada in their Sportsmobile to special locations.

Hugs and snaggle-tooth kisses,
Sierra Rose, her mom and dad

FAB said...

Don't you just have all the fun. Great way to see wildlife including Lynne's TV! FAB

The Retired One said...

Loved, LOVED the blue heron...one of my FAVORITE birds...and you captured him so clearly and wonderfully!
I wish I could have been there with you...did I mention how much I LOVE blue herons????
:-}

Kelly said...

....so peaceful and beautiful. Are you using your big lens?

cindyzlogic said...

Fantastic pictures! Looks like it was a gorgeous outing. Loved the Heron ones.

Kathie Brown said...

What a nice series of shots. Love the first one with that bright yellow kayak just breaking into the photo.

BirdingMaine said...

Beautiful images Shelley! The Heron looks to be saluting you.

Tina said...

Shelley,
Such a view from your kayak!! mmmm..looks inviting..but I'd be the the "scardy cat" to take my camera with me!! I can see the advantage tho..what beautiful shots you captured...love the BH itch..and then to scratch it with those feet..yikes!!

The Birdlady said...

Love everything but the kayak...I'm really a chicken.

Peggy said...

Looks so serene out there! The GBH close up is really nice!

F.Y.I: My kayak is blue, but if given a choice, it would have been yellow!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Shelly: Neat captures on your quiet canoe.

Dave's Bird Watching Blog said...

How much will you be charging for the kayak rentals at your bed and breakfast? Maybe they could be included in the "Bird, Bed, and Breakfast" special. I'm serious Shellmo, drop the log cabin business and go exclusive on the B&B! :-)

Unknown said...

A great day to kayak and bird. Few things are as peaceful as being out on the water just after sunrise.

MuseSwings said...

How lovely and peaceful!

Adrienne Zwart said...

You are so brave to take your camera with you. I wish I'd had mine for our rafting trip a couple weeks ago. There was a green heron and we paused for a while to watch some Cedar Waxwings swooping and catching flies in mid-air. These are beautiful shots!

Connie said...

Great photos, Shelley! I love the itchy Blue Heron! HA HA HA! :D

Dawn Fine said...

Great way to bird Shelly! and u captured some wonderful photos!
Hope you are having a great summer and spending lots of time at your cabin with your new pup.

Unknown said...

Beautiful shots, The kayaking shot is my favorite in this series.

Mary said...

What a wonderful way to see everything near the water. Kayaking looks so relaxing, but I'm afraid if I managed to get in one, I'd never get out again. Those heron shots are great.

Deb said...

Beautiful photos Shelley.
What a gorgeous kayaking day!

Nature Nut /JJ Loch said...

Beautiful photos, Shell!!! I love your adventures. :D

Jeff and I kayaked along the Pictured Rocks shoreline not too long ago.

Hugs, JJ

Coy Hill said...

Nice work! The kayak gave you an excellent perspective and a great way to get close. I have never used a kayak but I do use an electric motor powered boat for much of my waterfowl photography and would feel I was at a considerable disadvantate without its quiet mobility.