Bird & Wildlife Watching While You Paddle
5-minute read
Paddling your kayak or canoe on quiet water can give you several advantages for bird watching. You also might score some great wildlife viewing if you’re in the right place at the right time.
What could be around the next bend? (photo courtesy of Paul Villecourt)
You have four big advantages when you base your bird and wildlife watching from the water in a canoe or kayak:
- Access to hard-to-reach habitats
- A low profile on the water
- Silent or near-silent movement
- Can observe natural behavior at the shoreline
Let’s explore each of these, then we’ll go over some best practices to help elevate your success rate…
Advantages of Watching Birds & Wildlife from the Water
While you’re never guaranteed sightings of those elusive species, seeking them out from your kayak or canoe gives you a few advantages over hiking. This is especially true for water birds, of course, but can also apply to songbirds, raptors and others that live in the area or are migrating through…and local wildlife at or in the water.
The biggest advantage of a paddling excursion is your ability to access habitats that are impossible to reach from land. Wetlands, shorelines, islands, shallow backwater areas, cypress swamps and other habitats are rich with animal and bird life, but hard to reach other than by water.
Being on the water helps get unobstructed views like this (photo courtesy of Jake Hanson)
Next, boats designed for paddling naturally give you a low profile on the water, especially kayaks, whether sit-in or sit-on. A quiet, low-profile approach can give you the appearance of a floating log or other natural material from an animal’s point of view.
If your boat of choice is a stand-up paddleboard, consider getting a kayak seat you can strap onto it. It not only keeps your profile lower, it gives you more stability if you want to stop and observe with binoculars or take photos with your zoom lens.
Third, when you combine that low profile with slow, silent or near-silent movement with gentle paddle strokes, the chances increase of getting closer without causing the bird or animal stress. This is good motivation to become skilled with the various strokes so you can place your boat exactly where you want it to get the best views.
Finally, a vantage point from the water is the best place to watch the behavior of wildlife and birds along the shoreline—drinking, eating, bathing, even hunting. Your chances of seeing these behaviors from on shore are so much more limited.
Best Practices for Water-Based Bird & Wildlife Watching
There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of seeing the birds and/or wildlife you hope to encounter while you’re out on the water:
Know Their Habits
Which birds live in this area year-round and which are migrating (and when)? Which birds stick closer to the ground, which in the mid-level trees, and which in the higher canopies?
Keep still and quiet—you never know what’s around you (photo courtesy of Sharon Brodin)
What time of day are you most likely to see wildlife drinking or eating at the shore? Are the species you’re after more active in the mornings and evenings, or during the daytime?
If you’re new to bird watching, look up local groups in your area that you can connect with. Maybe you dream of sea kayaking along ocean coastlines in hopes of seeing whales, seals and dolphins. Locate an outfitter with guides who can take you to places where you’re most likely to find them.
Paddle Strategically
As with land-based bird and wildlife watching, it’s important to stay quiet and not draw attention to yourself. If you can drift in, do so. If you need to paddle, keep your strokes slow and low. Avoid splashing.
If you’re with others, keep your talking to a minimum so you don’t scare off your subjects unnecessarily.
Another wise move is to be aware of wind, wind direction and any approaching inclement weather. It’s always a good idea to know the forecast before any paddling trip, including bird or wildlife watching. You don’t want wind or waves to push you into the shoreline.
And most importantly, be observant! Listen, look, and pay attention to what’s around you. You may be about to get very fortunate!
Be observant so you don't miss moments like these (Photo courtesy of Kate Wright)
Keep Your Distance
As the Ogeechee Audubon website states, “If the bird is reacting to your presence, you’re too close.” Your best friends on these excursions are a good pair of binoculars and a camera (either actual camera or phone camera) with a good zoom lens.
We want to respect the homes of these creatures and enjoy them without making them feel threatened. This is especially true for bird nesting areas and any animals with their young.
In the case of wildlife, keeping your distance can be a matter of safety, too. Never close the distance between you and animals that could harm you, like moose, bears and alligators. Be content to watch them while giving them plenty of space…and use your zoom lens!
When to use a large zoom lens! (photo courtesy of Kate Wright)
If you’re new to the world of birding, the American Birding Association has a helpful PDF guide: ABA Code of Birding Ethics.
Protect Your Gear (and Yourself)
Use a waterproof dry bag to protect valuable gear like your cell phone, camera and binoculars when you’re not using them. These are also handy for storing sunscreen, lip balm, snacks, water and other items you may want to have along.
It’s also important to wear your PFD (Personal Flotation Device or life jacket) anytime you’re on the water. You’ll be concentrating on spotting birds and wildlife, and in case your boat should collide with a fallen tree, submerged boulder or other hazard, the last thing you’ll have to think about is staying afloat in case you end up in the water.
A beaver swims by (Photo courtesy of Sharon Brodin)
Birding is growing in popularity, especially among older adults. If you’re an active birder already or have thought about looking into it, many great opportunities are waiting for you on the water. Consider adding paddling to your skills repertoire to take advantage of them.
The same is true for wildlife viewing. This activity from a canoe, kayak, or other paddle-driven boat brings you to new and different territory and angles that can make all the difference.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com, or choose our online chat option.
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