My new photographic tool - a kayak!
I have been wanting to get a boat of some kind to get me out onto the water. It had to be light, stable and easily maneuverable. I ended up with a very inexpensive Kayak (Pelican Trailblazer, $200). I went out yesterday for the first time to just test it out. Today was my first day with the camera. It was calm and clear at 7 am when I set out from Logboom Park in Kenmore. The wind picked up a bit as the morning progressed, but never got to the point of being problematic. In two hours I saw at least 10 species of birds. I had set out before sunrise, so it was a while til I could get decent shots.
My first Canvasbacks and Bufflehead of the year.
I found a tree that appears to be a favorite kingfisher hangout. I predict I will be spending a lot of time at this tree.
The sun finally came up and the world started to look a whole lot brighter.
My favorite catch of the day was a group of Western Grebes. I have only photographed one before, and it was at quite a distance. These guys were pretty chill as I drifted around.
As I was paddling back to shore, I had to pass a cormorant hangout. I got some pretty good shots of them posing and flying.
As I approached my landing spot, a raft of Coots and Wigeons were there to greet me.
It was a fantastic morning, and I look forward to many many more hours in that delightful kayak.
To see more photos from the day, click here: October 23, 2017
