Wildlife
Kayaking is an outdoor activity. Yes, kids, you’ll have to put down your game controllers and go outside. Out there is what us older folks call nature. Nature can actually be quite beautiful and interesting, and you don’t have to worry about your screen resolution and refresh rate – both are infinity. So here is a short list of flora and fauna ( plants and animals ) that you might see in freshwater environments:
Birds
Fishes
Turtles, Frogs & Snakes
Mammals
Bugs
Plants
Salt Water
All of the birds listed above can also be found in saltwater environs. The list of saltwater fishes is too long to even start. Insects and amphibians have poor tolerance for saltwater and are not found there, but many other types make up for that. Likewise, seals and dolphins may be found in our bays and inlets.
This is by no means an exhaustive listing, just a few representative types that you are likely to see on almost any trip. I’m going to be lazy here, and filch a lot of material from Wikipedia. I’m keeping this all informal and unscientific; I’m not even going to bother with Latin names. However, if there is something you want to know more about, I will place Wikipedia links.
These are some mammals you are likely to see in and around the water.
More: Mammals …
These are all long-legged, long-necked wading birds typically seen near the water’s edge. They will tolerate your approach to a point, and then fly away – one of the advantages of being a bird.
Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret is very easy to spot, because it makes no attempt at camouflage, and stands out in any environment. They make up for this by being rather wary, although I have seen individuals beg for food from fishermen, a learned behavior that is not common. The Snowy Egret is very common; it would be difficult to go out kayaking and not spot at least one.
More: Egrets & Herons …
Mallard Duck
There are many kinds of wild ducks, and even more types of domesticated ducks, but the Mallard is a good representative of all. Ducks are harmless. Bring some bread along, I never met a duck that didn’t expect to be fed.
More: Ducks, Geese, Swans …
Golden Shiner
There are many different types of minnows in North America, but the one you are most likely to encounter kayaking is the Golden Shiner, and there is a good reason for this: If you are out after dark and you have a light, they will jump at it and can end up in the boat.
More: Minnows & Carp …