Birds
These are some birds you are likely to see around the water.
Osprey
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.
More: Ospreys & Eagles ...
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 ...
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.
More: Belted Kingfisher ...
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 ...