Birds

These are some birds you are likely to see around the water.


Male, females are gray

This is one of my favorite birds to see when I am out paddling. You’re not going to get very close though, a good reason to bring along the binoculars. The Kingfisher is a songbird that thinks it’s a hawk. They are actually related to Hummingbirds. You might think that makes them not very aquatic, but I have seen them dive into the water, surface, and take off again, so I guess they put some effort into evolving. ( The Cormorant might want to take notes. ) Kingfishers usually sit in branches near the shoreline, and fly very low and fast over the water.


These birds are all associated with marine environments, but the truth is, they don’t care. You’ll find them wherever there is food. Since no place in New Jersey is really very far from the ocean, you can find most of these almost anywhere.

Herring Gull

Adult

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.


Osprey

Osprey – note the under-wing patterning, see Bald Eagle below

Ospreys, or “Fish Hawks”, are surprisingly common, and can be found just about anywhere. You’ll typically see them flying high over the water from a tree on one side to a tree on the other, occasionally diving down on some unlucky fish. Ospreys are usually seen alone, but mating pairs stay together, and I think young siblings stay together for a while as well. Ospreys are one of the biggest birds that you are likely to see. A single species has an almost worldwide distribution – pretty much everywhere except Australia.


Your new boat probably came with a paddle. I’ve never seen a boat come with a good paddle. It is just a starter, to get you going. Get a good paddle that is the right size for you. It will make a world of difference. Keep the old one for a spare. Rule of thumb: your paddle should be about your height. If you install a thick seat cushion, you might want to go a little longer even.

I regard my paddle as an emergency signalling device as well, which is why I like the yellow color pictured, especially if your boat is some camouflage shade of green.

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