From the Water

The greatest time of the year is beginning - when migrating birdlife can be found in many places.

Unlike any other year since I have been photographing wildlife, this spring I do not have the good fortune of Marten’s Lake at Sweet Marsh to attract waterfowl while providing enough water to paddle my canoe for photos at close range. Due to renovation work, Marten’s Lake has been drained.

With everything changed from my “normal” migration documentation routine, I have been forced to find alternate birding locations. Today I paddled a non-typical area in search of birds. While I did not have many birds to photograph at close range, I was treated to some close observations of good looking birds - trumpeter swans and bald eagles.

Close birds or not, to be out paddling was a treat. I worked against the current as I paddled upstream and then enjoyed a casual float back to my truck.

There is no doubt I will be paddling more in the coming days. I just need to figure out the new stopping waters for the migrants.