At the send of summer each year, we drive to Campbell Lake to paddle when the pelicans. sandhill cranes, and other migrating birds are on the lake.   We have detailed how to get there and where to launch in previous posts:

• On Campbell Lake
• Campbell Lake

Each year is different.   In 2018 we spotted 14 pelicans on the lake and another 2 on nearby Scuitto Lake.

On nearby Scuitto Lake

in flight over the lake

waking up

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stretching time

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snoozing

We spotted 6 sandhill cranes on the lake but watched another flock fly overhead.

On the shores of Campbell Lake

mature cranes in the wetlands near Campbell Lake

migrating south

There were the usual consort of ducks and geese too.

On some lakes we paddle for the exercise, maintaining a steady stroke for outing, paddling the lakeshore, enjoying the views, but keeping a steady pace.   On other lakes (like Campbell Lake), we go for a paddle and a “float”, enjoying the eagles, ospreys, herons, ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes, dippers, kingfishers, turtles, otters, muskrats, aquatic plants, riparian flowering plants, dragonflies, chironomids,   water striders, damselflies, mayflies, and whatever else we spot.   We bring the camera and our sense of wonder each time.