On the Water

Have you ever started a hobby – just because.  A few years ago I decided I wanted to learn to kayak.  My wife reluctantly agreed.  A co-worker suggested we take a class from a local Kayak shop to see if we liked it.  We took the class and both my wife and I fell in love with it.

With a kayak you’re on the water, typically near the shore of a lake or on small rivers or creeks.  You’re able to move silently and with a low profile that doesn’t disturb the wild life.  A few weeks ago we witnessed a spectacular bird exhibition at a nearby lake.

There’s a small park in western Dane County that has a small lake, Indian Lake, that doesn’t allow boats with motors.  It is a perfect lake for kayaking and canoeing.  It was a mid-morning Saturday and with the exception of a single surf boarder we had the lake to ourselves.  Along the shore we saw sandpipers and turtles.  Over head we saw a pair of big blue herons that were intent on leaving the lake.  It soon became apparent why they decided to leave.

A large eagle was circling the lake.  We paddled to the western end of the lake to watch the eagle hunt.  It would circle, circle, circle, not caring that was watching.  Several times the eagle flew directly overhead.  Then the eagle plunged headfirst into the water.  We watched as he hit the water his talons extended then he flew away at a 45 degree angle.  We both thought he snagged a fish.  Instead of flying away to a perch he continued to circle the lake, he missed his prey.

From behind us we heard a shrill squawk and saw another eagle take off from the tree tops.  It must be a hunting pair and the Mrs. was obviously upset about the male’s ineptitude.  The female began circling the lake and the male flew off to the east and out of sight.

This is why I kayak.