A closer look: Birders take to kayaks in Great Salt Lake

ANTELOPE ISLAND — Kayaks were originally built to be hunting boats. Paddling hunters were agile on lakes, rivers and the sea as they searched for food.

While Cathy Baxter and her book club friends were not out hunting for food, it was one of the most amazing things she had done; and she wanted to do it again.

Baxter, of Salt Lake City, is a birder and last year she went out with Great Salt Lake Kayak to get a closer look at the birds on Antelope Island during the bird festival. She had so much fun, this year she had the women in her book club join her for an evening on the lake.

While many of the people who went with her were not avid birders, they still enjoyed the evening.

Nancy Adams, of Holladay, was out in a kayak for her first time and loved it.

"I think it was the stillness," she said. "You're close to the city and yet so isolated."

On a calm night, the Great Salt Lake can be compared to glass. The only movement in the water comes from the brine shrimp, which have hatched early this year due to unseasonably warm temperatures. California sea gulls and other birds swoop in for a tasty meal.

Those who venture out onto the water with Scott Baxter, owner of Great Salt Lake Kayak, can benefit from what seems like a wealth of knowledge. He spews out facts and stories about the lake and its wildlife as if he had been born and reared on the lake.

Before kayakers have a chance to get their feet wet, Baxter shares a 10-15 minute orientation.

"The biggest mistake is people hold on too tight," he said. "And the first out may be the last back."

In talking about being the last back, Baxter encourages people to slow down and relax. This tour is a good way to reflect for a minute and enjoy the scenery. There is no need for battles of strength or swiftness here.

Kayakers pilot their way through the almost still water, carving a path through the scenery which offers them peace, solitude and a connection with the surrounding landscape.

After paddling around in the harbor, kayakers head southwest toward Egg Island. Along the way someone notices something strange about the water. The surface appears calm, while underneath the water is in motion.

Baxter then begins to share about the strange nature of the lake. The fresh water from Farmington Bay sits on the surface, not mixing with the salty water underneath. When the weather is cold enough, sometimes the fresh water freezes and creates ice chunks in parts of the lake.