Today's River Kayak Trip

[Dean_Gretsch]

We both have sit on top kayaks, so going in cold weather isn't much of an option since you get wet with these. We figured we don't have a lot of days left with our work schedules and fall approaching fast. We only did like a 3 hour, very leisurely slow trip but saw a lot of wildlife. Among them were a Bald Eagle, an Osprey, GBH's, a Green Heron, a Belted Kingfisher, a Great White Egret, many Common Mergansers, a Hooded Merganser hen, many turtles and a little snake. Unfortunately I only got postable pics of the following:

1 Common Mergansers

2 GBH

3 Hooded Merganser hen ( I think )

4 This little snake swam in front of us across the river and then climbed this boulder so obligingly!

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

Ok, I had to cast the first vote since no one else was impressed enough

 

[jcdeboever]

Shooting from a kayak? That sounds ideal for some stealthy wild life shots. These are all pretty nice. I would guess you're going to have to adjust how you shoot in it, from lens selection, depth of field, gear protection, etc. Would like to hear about some of that if you find the time. #3 or the snake. I chose 3.

 

[smoke665]

Sit on kayak, unfortunately the only way I can get in one now! They are nice in that it puts you pretty close to eye level with the critters, which is also the bad part....you're at eye level with the critters. That can get hairy if the critters are snakes or gators. FYI the snake is my favorite, the sun reflection, the color, even the pose are great.

 

[Jeff15]

Some really good shots here.......

 

[edsland]

Looks like a fun trip, 3 for me

 

[K9Kirk]

Ahhh, so you did get some pics, cool! I like them all but I would have to say Mr. Slitherin' is my favorite.

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

Thanks all. JC, I bought a dry bag large enough for the camera and the 170-500 lens. I keep it in it until I get out on the water and can take it out. You're moving in current so you get a lot of missed focus lol. Just make sure to shoot in continuous mode and have a large card. Other than that, it's straightforward. They do let you get closer.

 

[PJM]

It's the snake for me! Great shot. It was quiet on our river trip yesterday, only the heron was obliging.

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

Thank you. Can you think of any other tips for JC @PJM

 

[smoke665]

Thank you. Can you think of any other tips for JC @PJM

Yes, don't take anything you're not prepared to lose. These are not overly stable craft and accidents happen. I've found an older Canon PowerShot perfect. It's small, will easily store, with the wrist srap I can still paddle, and if it does get damaged I't won't be as bad as losing expensive gear

 

[Photo Lady]

All of them are awesome.. my favorite was 3 ...I love those warm colors and the peaceful scene..

 

[CherylL]

They are all nice, but my favorite is #2. The eye level enhances the images. Glad you had a dry bag. I can't imagine trying to paddle and shoot or even drift and shoot.

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

Thank you. Can you think of any other tips for JC @PJM

Yes, don't take anything you're not prepared to lose. These are not overly stable craft and accidents happen. I've found an older Canon PowerShot perfect. It's small, will easily store, with the wrist srap I can still paddle, and if it does get damaged I't won't be as bad as losing expensive gear

Good tip, Smoke. I try to be careful with everything and do not take anything out of the dry bag if I know rapid water is coming.

All of them are awesome.. my favorite was 3 ...I love those warm colors and the peaceful scene..

Thank you. I was just happy the little duck didn't take off like so many of the other things did.

They are all nice, but my favorite is #2. The eye level enhances the images. Glad you had a dry bag. I can't imagine trying to paddle and shoot or even drift and shoot.

It does create some awkward shooting, lol.

A couple more shots of the snake:

 

[Jeff G]

Dean great set, Love the snake shots, the rest are just fowl, water fowl that is.

The Merganser was a close second for me.