Birds
These are some birds you are likely to see around the water.
These are small birds that are often seen over water. They both feed on flying insects, which they catch on the wing, and over water seems to be a good place to do that. At night, these birds are replaced by bats, doing the same thing. You are unlikely to get a good look at any of these, as they are all very fast and agile fliers.
Chimney Swift
More: Swifts & Swallows ...
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 ...
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
More: Gulls, Terns, etc ...
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 ...
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:
More: Wildlife ...