A sure sign of spring around these parts is the appearance of the kayakers on Leffel Creek ( The name is creek, but it really is a river). The kayakers spend the warm months here on the river and then head south to breed during the cold winter months.
I've learned a lot about kayakers as a result of watching them. First of all, kayakers are a social species. The participants arrive in flocks and leave in gaggles. They also talk a lot. Only one yacker (as they are locally known) can be in a hydraulic wave at a time, so there is plenty of time for the others to chat and otherwise visit with each other.
Secondly, there are two types of yackers. The alpha group is all about the action and hovers around the hydraulics, darting in when it is their turn, spinning and performing tricks. The omega group just likes to sit in their tiny little boats and look pretty. They don't care so much about the sport as they do being seen, thus the very colorful plumage.
The last tidbit of information gleamed from my observations of the kayaker is that they spend an inordinate amount of time with their heads under the water. Unlike their water fowl cousins, the ducks and geese, these birds don't seem to be looking for something tasty to eat.
If you get the chance, spend some time observing your local kayaker's in their natural habitat. You won't be disappointed. They are sure to entertain you.
tim mcmurdo 