On the advice of Greg Homel, a superb bird photographer and birding guide, I recently purchased an inflatable kayak as a way to become more maneuverable and stealthy when photographing birds in lakes or bays. Most (but not all) birds have not evolved a fear of people seated in a kayak, and will allow a much closer approach than they would a person on foot.
A few precautions, of course, are in order to prevent expensive equipment from ending up in the bottom of the lake! However, I'd say my first two attempts have been great successes, and great fun. Birds really did allow close approaches and one is not limited to the vantage points that one has on land only. Thanks, Greg!
I recently took the kayak to Lake Hodges, in San Diego, spending most of my time near some reeds not far from the boat launch. After a few minutes this Virginia Rail came into view for a short time.

Here are my friends Peter and Heidi on their maiden kayak voyage, floating just a few feet away from a Great Egret, entirely undisturbed by their presence.
