Tag Archives: Birding by Kayak

Loon Watching

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Common Loons have made great gains in Vermont in the last decade. As I watch the pair here at Woodbury Lake, I wonder how they survive and thrive with fireworks, concerts, boat traffic, and many loon watchers. To keep my contact minimal, I use a kayak carefully to avoid getting too close. My telephoto point & shoot also helps me to keep my distance.

The other day I took a short paddle to see the family. They seem to have left the nesting area and are cruising the lower pond.

I found the parents and chicks easily and floating along with them, took some family photos. Note that the male is carrying a small fish.

One Loon moved off to fish and the mom guided the kids, with both of them diving on their own.

It was a very calm look at some beautiful birds, and a bit of upper strength paddle work.

Last Encounter

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Ginger and I went for a paddle the other morning and along with a noisy Belted Kingfisher and a few remaining Eastern Kingbirds and Gray Catbirds, I saw this cooperative Green Heron. I don’t expect to meet him again until springtime but he gave me some nice last looks from the kayak.

Morning Paddle

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This morning, Ginger and I spent an hour or so on the river, launching from our backyard with leash, paddle, and camera. Just upstream, this little Painted Turtle watched us but stayed put on his sunny spot.

There were dozens of Eastern Kingbirds chattering and feeding as we moved upriver. I love to watch their aerial antics — many were youngsters.

It’s interesting sitting in a moving stream handling the boat, the camera, and of course, the dog. I miss a lot of shots but it’s fun. Every so often, Ginger is antsy to move on.

I spotted this Green Heron, which I’ve seen before, up ahead and quietly tried to move towards it.

The current was challenging and the paddle spooked it and it flew off into the underbrush.

There were any groups of young kids around the playfields and wading in the river so while Ginger wanted to join them, we cruised back. It was a nice end of July outing.