happy to have her partnering with FishProCharters.com as a writer and naturalist.  Susan springs from a similar background. A 30 year survivor as a science teacher, Native American & Florida History buff, fossil fanatic, fly fisher person, certified diver, and birding guide she brings experience, passion, a unique perspective to our humble publication.

Together with their newly created business Backpack Science, Meichelle and Susan provide a unique opportunity for students to experience nature at its finest and most interesting. Just click on the banner ad at the side of this article and go to the Backpack Science web site which will allow you access to the eco educational course descriptions, excursions, and more information describing what Backpack Science has to offer.

Meichelle and Susan recently left our marina in the wee hours of the morning and headed into the flats of Boca Ciega Bay backcountry. From the marina it is just a short paddle to the first of many mangrove islands, sand bars, and back country canals, tunnels, and rookeries. The following is their recount of their exploration of this unique area located in the general vicinity of John’s Pass, Madeira Beach Florida.

Kayak Birding in Boca Ciega Bay
As posted on www.backpackscience.com , by: Meichelle Long

This was to be the last tour with our 9′ Perception sit-in kayaks, truly a long time coming, though.  We set out of Madeira Bay Marina at 7:30 A.M. for a test paddle to Bird Key and beyond, hoping to get a feel for the time and distance.  We set out and around Bird Key, Archie’s Island and out to a strip of Mangroves in Long Bayou with a variety of species to photograph.  We paddled back (faster than usual when we heard thunder) and discovered that we spent no more than 3 hours on our tour.
 It’s been said that birds are the chorus line in nature’s pageant. If so, then to see them from a kayak is to experience them from the front row.

As a birder, you have the interest to thoroughly research a location and patiently search for the species you desire. Doing so from a kayak provides greater success and adds a new perspective for bird watching. Susan Trefethen, a 30-year science teacher, paddled along on my adventure to describe the advantages of birding by kayak and she provided valuable insights that come from having waited and watched for decades.

Kayaks allow you to cruise the shoreline and view birds with nothing more than a few droplets of water breaking the silence. No rustling leaves, crunching stones or snapping twigs to alert and frighten birds. With stealth on your side, you’ll be amazed at how much more you’ll see and from much closer distances too!

Birding by kayak opens up your field of view in all directions. It’s much easier to spot pockets of birds flitting through the trees when you have a water view, unobstructed by other trees. You can lean back in the comfort of your kayak seat and watch the tree tops at length without the strain of ‘birder’s neck’. When it’s time to move on to the next birding hotspot, you won’t need to trudge through the woods with gear on your back

I’ve had birding friends tell me that they are not about to wiggle into the tight confines of a tippy kayak and then relax to enjoy birding. However, once they see my photos of us paddling around the Bay so close to the action, they form a very different opinion. So many new kayaks feature open cockpits, making entering and exiting very simple. The boats are extremely stable; I can stand in mine, but I have young knees.  The new Hobie that is on my list to purchase, I have seen a 200 pound man jiggle in a swimming pool while standing! Whether you bird solo or with a partner, you’ll find that the unique opportunity with kayaks is to provide rock-solid viewing platforms that are also lots of fun to paddle. 
Now is a great time of year to do your homework and find the right boat for you. Ask to try one out, many sellers do this- usually in a lake or pool.  If you are going out sea or bay kayaking, they can arrange for an on-site trial.  Make the best choice for you by asking specific questions related to how you want to use your kayak. When the spring migration begins, you’ll be ready to sit back and watch from the front row!

Kayaks mentioned in this article: Perception “Swifty”, for us, is what made recreational kayaking such a popular outdoor pastime. The Prodigy 10.0 is the newer version and is ready for many types of water, from lakes to slow, deep rivers. The no-hassle size is easy to throw on a car and to store. Most importantly, it’s comfortable and one of the best performing kayaks in its class. And it’s affordable, so there’s nothing keeping you from your active lifestyle.

Locations mentioned in this article: The Madeira Bay Marina overlooks Florida’s scenic inter-coastal waterway and is across the street from the pristine white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.

You can book your own kayak birding adventure with us at FishProCharters.com

This is just the first of Susan and Meichelle’s adventures. I hope you will return each issue to read more. We at FishProCharters welcome your input if you have an interesting kayak, canoe, or other experience you would like to share that revolves around natures water ways, estuaries, lakes, or seas. Pictures are required. You may contact us at fishprocharters@gmail.com. Att: Capt. B.K. - editor