One of the reasons I began kayaking is because you can get closer to birds in a kayak than on land. The lower profile of a kayak on water and the smooth, silent movement–assuming you aren’t splashing your paddle!–seems to alarm them less.
I came fairly close to the male Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) perched on a snag over Black Bayou Lake. Was he calling to his mate? Signaling that he was ready to take his turn on their nest? Warning away other birds? Announcing appreciation for the beauty and bounty around him?
God told Job, Ask the beasts and the birds and the fish if you want to know from whence they came.
Edge & Essence 
Striking photo! Silly question no doubt but I was wondering about the presence of alligators given that you go kayaking. Are they only near to the coast?
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We have plenty of alligators in north Louisiana! Indeed, there are lots of alligators at Black Bayou Lake, where I took this photo. Like most wildlife, they are not a threat to people who leave them alone. If I see one in the water while kayaking, I paddle away.
Once while I was photographing dragonflies on a point of land sticking out into a swamp, a smallish ‘gator came to within about 30 yards of me and just hung there in the water watching me. But when I moved down the point a bit and the ‘gator followed, I got nervous and left. I tell that story in the book I’m writing. Guess maybe I better post that chapter first!
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Thanks Bette, so interesting.. and also.. I think you’re courageous!
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