Nature photography and daily life records
g
Search

Going to See Sea Otters by Kayak – Elkhorn Slough Part 2

Short trip, Nature observation, Birds

Continued from Part 1

The kayak rental time is four hours. After about two hours of shooting, I headed back. If you focused purely on paddling, you could probably go as far as the tour boats. This time, several groups of Sea Otters were close by, so there was no need to go far.

Sea otter chewing on its flipper tag, winter, Elkhorn Slough
The Sea Otters at Elkhorn Slough have identification numbers attached to their feet. Perhaps annoyed by the tag, one was vigorously chewing on it.
Close-up of a Harbor Seal swimming with its head above the water, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Since I started paddling early in the morning, it was truly quiet. I could hear the sound of a seal exhaling very close by.
Two Pelagic Cormorants standing on the shore, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Pelagic Cormorants sunbathing at close range.
Close-up of Pelagic Cormorant feathers, winter, Elkhorn Slough
The feather details were clearly visible.
Marbled Godwit foraging along the shore, winter, Elkhorn Slough
A Marbled Godwit foraging alongside Dunlin.
Forster’s Tern perched on a post, winter, Elkhorn Slough
A Forster’s Tern. I was able to get quite close.
Two Brandt’s Cormorants sunbathing, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Brandt’s Cormorants were also sunbathing.
Flock of Forster’s Terns standing on waterside posts, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter rising upright from the water, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Two sea otters relaxing, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter floating on the water, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Close-up of an Eared Grebe, winter, Elkhorn Slough
A Black-necked Grebe, also known as Eared Grebe.
Sea otter relaxing, winter, Elkhorn Slough
The fluffiest individual of the day, and the driest. Apparently their faces become whiter as they age.
Sea otter relaxing, winter, Elkhorn Slough
As in Alaska, it seems they really prefer not to get their hands wet.
Sea otter relaxing, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter looking toward the camera, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter trying to lean on a neighboring sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter trying to lean on a neighboring sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter trying to lean on a neighboring sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter trying to lean on a neighboring sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter riding on another sea otter’s back, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter riding on another sea otter’s back, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sea otter scratching its back, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Scratching its back.
Sea otter scratching its back, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Sleepy sea otter, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Western Gull floating on the water, winter, Elkhorn Slough
A Western Gull.
American White Pelican floating on the water, winter, Elkhorn Slough
A single American White Pelican swimming alone.
Common Loon swimming, winter, Elkhorn Slough
Common Loon spreading its wings on the water, winter, Elkhorn Slough
A Common Loon.
Kayak used, winter, Elkhorn Slough

In the end, I managed to photograph everything without capsizing. The kayak generally feels stable, but if your center of gravity shifts, it can suddenly wobble, so overconfidence is dangerous. I definitely do not want to lose my gear to the water.

Paddling with an oar splashes more water on you than expected, especially on your hands and legs. The slough is saltwater. You need to be careful not to get the camera or lens wet and to remember proper maintenance afterward.

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommend