Got in a kayak over the weekend for the first time and took some pics

[Maestro]

My family and I went down to visit friends at a lake near Corsicana, Texas. Our friends know that I like to bird with my camera so they suggested I take their kayak and poke around the rather isolated coves in the lake. They didn't realize my camera equipment was so extensive, but ignoring the better part of reason, I loaded up my equipment in a trash bag and took off in the kayak. There were tons of forster's terns, cattle egrets, black vultures, great egrets, red tailed hawks, but I mainly spent my time with the Great Blue Herons who were actively roosting. (Is that the correct term?)

Anyhow, here are my first captures from a kayak in rather choppy waters. It was overcast and a bit rainy at times with little bits of sun so the skies are a bit washed out. Please forgive that. Most of the pictures were shot with a flash and Better Beamer flash extender.

GBH on the shore line


GBH with a chick or another adult sitting



GBH sitting


GBH sitting again from a different angle


GBH standing in nest (better light)


GBH up close


As I kept going further back into this cove, the lake narrowed down to a small stream really. At the entrance to this small inlet of water, there was a large dead tree. Perched in the tree was what I thought was just another vulture, but as I got closer I noticed it was an osprey. Ospreys are common, but in Texas, at least, they do not appear in great numbers at any given lake. At large lakes, I consider myself lucky to find one or two. I have never been lucky enough to actually take a picture of one in the wild until now. Again, it is not a fantastic photo because of the lighting conditions but nonetheless, it is my first picture of an osprey.



It only allowed me two pics of it perched before it bolted. It went right past me in my kayak. I almost flipped the kayak turning and leaning to my right so quickly to get this picture of it in flight.



I paddled back to the lake house to see that my kids and wife were fishing and having fun on jet skis. Everyone was happy but I was beaming because I finally got to see an osprey up close and the pics weren't half bad. It was a nice day to say the least.

Thanks for looking and reading.

[texas1928]

1. Question:

What type of camera do you have? I am looking for a Digital camera, that will take nice weather photos. And I like the way your photos always turn out.

[Maestro]

4. Digital Rebel XT

and these shots were shot with a Canon 100mm-400mm zoom telephoto although some of my shots have been with a Sigma 500mm.

[texas1928]

9. COOL

Thanks.

[NMDemDist2]

2. very nice! thanks for sharing them n/t

[Shine]

3. Gorgeous, Maestro!! You've got a good eye.

I really liked the one of the GBH in the nest. We've got a lot of them around here, but I think they're such regal-looking birds. I love 'em. The osprey shots were great, too. Very cool! :thumbsup:

Kayaking is fun! :hi:

[Maestro]

5. Kayaking sure is fun

I might have to invest in one now. ;)

[ContraBass Black]

6. You got in a kayak for the first time and none of your pictures are of underwater?

Impressive.

[Maestro]

14. I was scared of that, but

after I took the kayak out some and saw all the bird action going on, I decided to chance it so I went back and got my camera. The kayak is actually pretty stable. I was in a kayak that was relatively long and more stable when compared to the racing "white water" type kayaks that are much shorter.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

7. Wonderful, as always

The majesty of nature!

[Maestro]

15. This photography thing has really

helped me reconnect with Nature. I was always "into" Nature as a child but I grew older I just didn't have time to really get out in Nature. I still was outside a lot but mainly to exercise. Now I can get out and enjoy Nature in a different but just as exhilarating way. Thanks for the comments. :hi:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. My dear Maestro!

Oooh, these are wonderful, as always...

Thank you for sharing them...

I especially like the osprey in flight...

:applause: :applause:

[TZ]

10. Great pictures! I love the Osprey....

I am fortunate that where I live in the East (Maryland- Metro DC) Ospreys are fairly common and I have even seen them in some suburban settings (I had one fly about 12 feet directly over me a couple of years ago with a large goldfish in its talons) and I think you did a fab job with them. I particularly like the perching picture because it seems to really capture the fierce beauty of the bird.

[Maestro]

16. Fierce beauty is correct.

Those eyes are piercing. I love them! Thank you for the nice comments about the pics. I hope you see more out there in Maryland.

[tigereye]

11. great way to go birding!

nice pix! Thanks.

I somehow missed a pic of Forster's terns when I was in San Francisco recently.

[Maestro]

17. I am still trying to photograph one.

These guys were just so quick as are all terns. They diving catching fish much like a brown pelican would do. Maybe some day I will get lucky and actually catch one in my sights.

[pokerfan]

12. Nice pics

I am always amazed at how closely I can approach wildlife while canoeing.

[Maestro]

18. I am not sure what it is

but I am going to take advantage of it when I can.

[Haole Girl]

13. Those are great... as usual!

I really love that close up pic! It's funny, but it seems to me that birds look at you with a sort of curiosity as you photograph them. Does it seem that way to you? lol

Thanks for showing us these! :hi:

[Maestro]

19. It does seem that way at times.

Other times they have this look like, "Would please stop *&^!#@$@^* bothering me?!" And still other times they are so focused on something that they could care less that I am there. :) Thanks for the comment!