July 25, 2026: Kayaking + Birding: The Kalamazoo River
Imagine lazily floating down the calming waters of the Kalamazoo River in a kayak, being coaxed by the gentle current to simply “go with the flow.” The trickle of water dripping from the paddle into the river after each stroke. A gentle breeze stimulating the senses. Birdsong everywhere, and the scent of the land waking up, encouraged by the morning sun.
Along with Mindful Outdoor Guide Seth Chapman, a group of 17 kayakers and canoers shared this peaceful experience along a stretch of the Kalamazoo River. We gathered at WaterTrail Ventures in Allegan County, just east of Saugatuck/Douglas at 8:00am. Julie from WaterTrail Ventures briefed us on our route, along with other special features about this section of river, including the vast Potawatomi Marsh, a growing Bald Eagle population, and relaxing views of nature.
Kayaking and birding offers many unique wellness + birding opportunities. In order to maximize these benefits, Seth held a briefing for the group on what to expect in terms of what species we may encounter; many of which are wetland specialists and would otherwise be a little more difficult to observe. Before launching, we practiced mindful breathing to encourage present-moment awareness, and we were given the opportunity to pause, let go of our worries, and simply float.
Seth explaining what to expect during this paddle.
Kayakers gathered at the livery before launch.
The five-mile paddle to Hacklander boat launch began shortly after 9:00am. Once afloat, we were immediately greeted by numerous Cliff Swallows flying to and from their mud-nests on the underside of a freight train bridge. Just as we approached, the swallows dispersed as a train rumbled overhead. These swallows, along with Tree Swallows, became a regular sighting for the next mile or so of our adventure. Some flew erratically overhead, and others skimmed the surface of the water, sometimes flying just over our heads!
We’re off, beginning our journey!
Cliff Swallow nests under the bridge.
We paddled on, each bend in the river revealing its secrets as we approached. A pair of Belted Kingfishers perched on a dead branch over the river. A Green Heron quietly stalking the muddy shoreline.
A rather bold Belted Kingfisher that allowed us in front to get close views.
Green Heron on the banks of the river.
We chatted quietly, enjoying each other’s company, and marveling at the species of birds we encountered. Numerous Great Blue Herons, a Prothonatary Warbler, and overhead, a juvenile Bald Eagle! There was word of a nearby eagles nest. Though it was a dozen or so strokes of the paddle out of our way, the group unanimously voted to catch a glimpse of the nest.
Bald Eagle nest in a White Pine along the Kalamazoo River.
We were floored by the diversity and amount of birds we saw along our route. Other notable species included three Great Egrets flying overhead (along with half a dozen Great Blue Herons flying together, spooked by a boater), Marsh Wrens singing from the reeds of the Potawatomi Marsh, Sandhill Cranes poking their heads out from some tall grasses on the river bank, Red-headed Woodpeckers, and six Purple Martins. You can view the full checklist, along with our route, on eBird.
Great Blue Heron in the Kalamazoo River.
A lone Killdeer.
Sandhill Crane on the Kalamazoo River.
Enjoying our morning paddle.
We took our time, sometimes paddling, other times letting the waters guide us. We shared our excitement, and we also allowed water element to work its magic on us. According to Ayurveda, water element provides qualities such as stability, nourishment, and cohesion. Water element also cools, moistens, and soothes. Spending such good, quality time on the water allowed this element to imbue its qualities in our hearts and minds. I believe that we ended our paddle a little bit calmer, cooler, and softer than when we began. Perhaps we felt more true to our nature.
Thank you to Julie and her staff at WaterTrail Ventures. Without them, this event would not have been possible!Thank you also to all who showed up for a wonderful morning. I hope to see you again soon!
Ending our paddle at Hacklander boat launch.
You simply will not find a better pair of binoculars at this pricepoint!
These binoculars are excellent for birding, delivering hard-working, reliable optics, sharp resolution, enhanced contrast, and rugged durability.
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Each pair of binoculars comes with:
Binocular harness
Comfort neck strap
Tethered objective lens covers
Rainguard eyepiece cover
Lens cloth
Unlimited, unconditional, lifetime warranty
If you’re looking for a pair of binoculars that are ideal for those who wear glasses, and have more capability birding in low-light conditions, with upgraded glass, check out the Vortex Viper HD 8×42 Binoculars.
Birds with Seth is an official Vortex Optics dealer. You will not find a better price online, as these are sold at MAP (minimum advertised pricing). If you do find these binoculars listed for a lesser price, please contact me at seth@birdswithseth.com so that we adjust pricing accordingly.
Unless backordered, orders will dropship with FREE SHIPPING via directly from Vortex Optics, typically within 24 hours from date of purchase.
If you’re curious about what animals can teach you, or are seeking support from the natural world, this deck is for you!
Animal Medicine Cards have helped guide my journey, providing powerful insight and perspective around some of life’s questions. This deck has found its way into the hearts and hands of many, guiding the way to healing the body, emotions, mind, and spirit, and providing insight into and understand of one's unique purpose in life.
This unique and powerful divination system draws upon ancient wisdom and tradition to teach the healing medicine of animals through the lens of sacred Native American traditions. These teachings have been handed down from many elders in the Choctaw, Lakota, Seneca, Aztec, Yaqui, Cheyenne, Cherokee, Iroquois, and Mayan traditions.
This 52-card deck includes a 246 guidebook.
Created by Jamie Sams and David Carson, with illustrations by Angela C. Werneke.
A must-have for birders of all ages!
Written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley, this guide details 51 species of waterbirds - ducks, shorebirds, loons, grebes, swans, geese, gulls, terns, bitterns, herons, and egrets - both common and exotic- found in the Great Lakes region.
This guide includes captions which capture the gestalt of each species, both in-flight and perched illustrations, and season information.
This field guide is very durable, waterproof, and measures 4”x9”.
These unique journals feature the Black-capped Chickadee and their delightful “chicka-dee-dee-dee-dee” song that we so often associate with the approaching spring.
Each journal is crafted with care from repurposed, thrifted, lined paper by a local artist in Kalamazoo. Created with both sustainability and creativity in mind, they are perfect for birding notes, sketches, or even keeping a life list or yard list!
Measures 5.5” x 3.5”
