Kip’s Comments - March 22, 2025 — LadagePhotography.com

Eye Opening Images and Eyes Wide Open

One of my projects for today was to evaluate what I look like when I think I am blending in with cattails and similar habitat as I attempt to photograph birds in a wetland. My perception of my appearance was far from reality when viewed from the air as approaching waterfowl might see me. Take a look at the following images.

This first view is what I see. I am somewhat hidden next to cattails in a dark, camo-colored kayak with a shot-peened surface. Reflections should be minimal and my “scare factor” for wildlife should not be too bad.

These two views are how I appeared from the air at about the altitude of incoming waterfowl. I was shocked to see how much my kayak stands out from this vantage point compared to the “on the water” view.

What this tells me is I might be able to slowly sneak around and possibly approach waterfowl already on the water. However, once the birds are in the air, I should not expect too many close approaches with the set-up I used today.

When conditions allow I plan to do the same test with my camo-covered canoe. Notice the difference… today was a camo-colored kayak; next time will be a camo-covered canoe. I am thinking by breaking up the sharp lines and texture I may be able to blend in much better from the water and from the air. Who would have imagined camouflage could be so challenging!

Even though my blending in was not what I thought I was doing, I was able to photograph a few birds in flight and on the water. I will share some here.