Viewing Nature From a Different Angle

There is an expanding interest in the natural worldwe try to observe from the banks. The use of a
around us and the wildlife that inhabits that world. Ankayak allows us to approach wildlife from the
increasing number of individuals are now seeking towaterside and so, in most cases, have an
experience nature and learn about wildlife.unobstructed view of the wildlife. Kayaking therefore
One method used by some is to go into the outdoorsenables us to see wildlife in their natural environment
and view from a vehicle either from in a car or tourand from their level. Being in a Kayak lowers our profile
bus or on the back of an open vehicle. Viewing from aas kayaks ride low in the water and this lowered
vehicle may be good for viewing large game animalsprofile is less threatening to many species. It allows us
such as deer, elk and bison in U.S. National Parks orto get fairly close so that we can see most aspects
zebras, antelope and lions on the African savannahsof their daily lives.
and game reserves but it is a view from a distance.Getting close to wildlife while in a kayak requires
Viewing from a vehicle is however usually not goodhowever the use of certain techniques. All sudden or
for seeing smaller animals and birds. The noise of theloud noises will startle wildlife and so even in a kayak
vehicle tends to scare them causing them to flee soone has to be quiet. The splashes made by paddles
that all we get is a view of the bird taking off or theentering water can be loud enough to scare away the
animal scurrying away.very object of our desire. The technique required is to
Most persons experience and view nature while onplace the paddle slowly in the water and slowly make
foot. Indeed some areas are inaccessible to vehiclesthe stroke. As the stroke is completed one allows the
and so on foot is the only way to get to certain placeskayak to gently glide across the water. Another stroke
to observe. Even on foot however humans tend tois not required until the forward momentum of the
scare wildlife because of the noise we usually makekayak has decreased appreciably. The objective is to
despite our efforts at moving quietly.have the kayak quietly and gently glide across the
Another technique is to sit at an observation point,water with the minimum of ripples. Although kayaking
usually near or above a natural feeding area or anallows humans to get close we usually cannot get
area where feeders have been installed, and watchwithin touching distance to most wildlife. Most animals
the birds or animals as they feed. While this is good forand birds have a personal perimeter within which the
getting close it often restricts us to only seeing oneentry of humans will cause them to move away. As
aspect of their life. Sitting at an observation point doessuch another part of the technique is to observe when
not give us much exercise. Indeed one of the addedwe are getting to a distance that the animal or bird
attractions of nature watching is being outdoors andbegins to show signs of agitation. At that moment we
the exercise that we gain.quietly stop the kayak and maintain that distance.
Kayaking offers the opportunity to get up close andSome individuals are scared of kayaks because they
almost personal with wildlife. While kayaking allows ushave never used them. Learning the basics of
to see mainly wetland species, there are a host ofkayaking is however very simple and can be done
wetland birds, animals and reptiles that are fascinatingwith a few minutes of instruction. Once the basics
to observe. Many wetland birds tend to nest or foragehave been learned and equipped with a personal
on the edges of the water. Some birds, such asflotation device (life jacket) an entire realm of nature
ospreys, use branches that overhang the water asviewing is opened up along streams, in ponds and in
perches while hunting for prey. On foot, our view issheltered bays.
often partially obscured by reeds and swamp trees as