FOR WORLD BIRD WEDNESDAY and WATERY WEDNESDAY.
We went kayaking on the Estero River last weekend -- during a visit from our grandkids. Andy and Denae are expert kayakers, and they took the back seats in the tandems we rented.
Because of that I managed to get some pictures, but even so quite a few of my shots have water drops on the lenses. It will be awhile before I learn to manage paddles and camera all at once!
Our area of Florida is full of wonderful spots for kayaking though -- we saw great wildlife. Here are a few of the less water-spotted pictures:
You have some wonderful shots of the birds and nothing better than being on the water on a nice day.
Posted by: stella | January 21, 2012 at 11:28 AM
You got some super shots Sallie!
I have always wanted to try going down the Etowah River in a kayak but have been worried about dropping my camera "into" the water!
Posted by: Jean | January 19, 2012 at 07:40 PM
Love your blue heron. My white-faced heron was at the pond last night. They really are such elegant birds.
Posted by: Arija | January 15, 2012 at 12:04 AM
waterdrops on the lens does not really matter. It indicates motion. :) But when I am kajaking I usually drop the paddle in my knee when I take pics. Or put it in the water. I have it tied to the kayake with a rope. :)
I think you might want to see this. In your last comment on my WW post your link goes to Gary. I have no idea how that happened.
http://nfbild2.blogspot.com/2012/01/vintervatten-winterwater.html
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photography | January 14, 2012 at 01:16 AM
You managed to shoot and paddle quite well from a kayak. Nice shots of the birds, Sallie. Is there anything you all didn't do while they were visiting.. I would be exhausted.
:)
Posted by: Pam | January 13, 2012 at 01:59 AM
Awesome pictures!
Posted by: Andy | January 12, 2012 at 11:42 AM
You did an excellent job capturing some of shots of the herons.
Posted by: LaVoice | January 11, 2012 at 05:39 PM
I sure enjoyed the trip I made down for a Kayaking adventure...in Key Largo Awesome, and in Februrary so warm and nice.
Great birds shots ---What FUN !!!!
Posted by: Sondra | January 11, 2012 at 05:10 PM
Hi Sallie,
I agree, Florida is a great place to kayak. Suzanne and I had a wonderful experience kayaking around the Sarasota area last winter where we saw wonderful birds. We have our kayaks here on the Pine as well. If the birds hold still, it's a lot of fun shooting pictures from these crafts. A fast shutter speed doesnt hurt either.
Cheers to you!
Posted by: springman | January 11, 2012 at 12:49 PM
I love herons and your photos are superb!
Posted by: joo | January 11, 2012 at 05:36 AM
That must have been super fun. I would love to do that but I will have to wait a few years before my grand kids will be big enough. The pics of the birds are great.
Posted by: diane | January 11, 2012 at 01:20 AM
That heron is beautiful! Great pics.
Posted by: Lady Fi | January 10, 2012 at 11:51 PM
oh that is fun to kayak, and taking photos from 'the other side'
Posted by: Carole M. | January 10, 2012 at 11:29 PM
The pictures are so exciting, Sallie, and your family adventures sound like fun,. In amongst these beautiful birds there looks to be a turtle.
Posted by: Penny | January 10, 2012 at 11:29 PM
A great way to view the birds.
Posted by: holdingmoments | January 10, 2012 at 09:52 PM
Sallie, I would like to try to kayak, looks easy, but I do not have a good balance. One of these days I will go with my group at the Marina by Venice Beach.
Love to see those birds!
Posted by: Ebie | January 10, 2012 at 09:35 PM
Sweet shots! What a chance to get these birds from a boat!
Posted by: Nicole | January 10, 2012 at 09:29 PM
I think you did a fantastic job of shooting from the kayak. I love herons and you got such good shots of them as well as of the other beautiful birds.
Posted by: Carver | January 10, 2012 at 06:46 PM
How cool is that! I really need to get a kayak.
Posted by: Larry Jordan | January 10, 2012 at 05:59 PM
Great water - and bird pics!Sounds you did a lot, and had fun!
Posted by: Jeannette St G | January 10, 2012 at 04:45 PM
What pretty captures you were able to bet on your kayaking trip with the babes. It is a bit too cold here though the hard core go out in their wet suits to brave the write water. Me, I stay at hoe thank you very much!!!!!! Thanks for your wind words about my “mundane” posts. For some reason I am drawn to nails, gears, and the like. I am so happy you like them. Words of encouragement are always such a plus. genie
Posted by: genie | January 10, 2012 at 04:29 PM
Sallie, I would love to kayak and see all the wildlife! I've kayaked occasionally, but I'm not very good - I think my arm strength is too weak.
Posted by: Barb | January 10, 2012 at 04:05 PM
Such beautiful birds and terrific captures for the day, Sallie! I love the color!! Hope your week is going well!
Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia Kirkwood | January 10, 2012 at 03:16 PM
Beautiful shots of these water birds, Sallie! The little blue one is wonderful.
Posted by: Nick | January 10, 2012 at 03:10 PM
That sound like it was a fun little adventure. Nice shots. And sorry about Mr. Linky. It has been updated and I re-entered the link for you.
Posted by: 2sweetnsaxy | January 10, 2012 at 03:08 PM
Great birds and photos. It must have been cool to be on the water and even level with the birds for photos. Thanks for sharing, Sallie!
Posted by: Eileen | January 10, 2012 at 02:22 PM
Some bloggers are great with getting pictures from kayaks but as for me, I leave the camera behind as my kayaking skills leave a lot to be desired.
Posted by: Martha | January 10, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Some great shots Sallie!
Love the heron of course but the hawk nestled in the dead branch is super and I love that little turtle craning his neck out. :)
Posted by: Carletta | January 10, 2012 at 01:24 PM
A very nice series of photos. I kayak with my camera too but have it in a waterproof case until I need it and also have a little piece of towel to dry off my hands first.
Posted by: Mick | January 10, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Lovely shots of the winged ones.
Posted by: jewaicious | January 10, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Sounds like a wonderful adventure Sallie.
I have often thought of canoeing along my local river and camping at night... maybe this is the year to do it..
I hope your are all in good health..
Big hugs Andrew xx
Posted by: Andrew | January 10, 2012 at 12:31 PM
What a great time you had!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Posted by: Boom & Gary | January 10, 2012 at 12:13 PM
That sounds like so much fun! Marvelous shots!
Posted by: Mama Zen | January 10, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Gosh you are daring, Kayaking!! It was worth it for the photos.
Posted by: HAZEL | January 10, 2012 at 11:03 AM
my neighbor has a kayak and goes out on the creek whenever he can..I would love to do that..
Posted by: Michelle | January 10, 2012 at 10:58 AM
is that a little blue heron? so cool!!!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | January 10, 2012 at 10:10 AM