I went winter kayaking with an angry beaver (Maine wildlife vlog)

[@liamdmcinerney]

*PLEASE READ* I had to trim out the first minute and 13 seconds from the video since I got a copyright claim for music I legally used from Artlist.io. To be clear, I pay for an account and licensing to use music on Artlist.io but apparently Concord Music Group denied my dispute when I provided my license for use (no explanation was given). What does this mean? It means that despite a 15 minute video I spent days creating, the 1:13 of background music used at the beginning would allow Concord Music Group to collect all monetization and ad revenue created by this video. To me, that is highway robbery and screwing over small creators that receive minimal (if any) monetary benefit for their hard work. What did you miss? A short montage of the day, but the video begins with me explaining the day ahead. Thanks for watching and reading my rant!

[@oklahomaokie]

Sorry you had to do that. I've had a few of those issues as well with music. Luckily, the copyright was released as I showed proof of purchase. On a different note, I had a guy who wanted to be in a video. Recorded almost 3 minutes of him. Cut it down to about 80 seconds. Added music and some B-Roll into the clip. Days after the video aired it was doing very well. He commented, thanked me for the video on KZbin, and says the video looks great. He shares on social media as well. After all this, he decided he didn't want to be in the video. Files copyright claim to KZbin for my video. After almost 3 weeks, KZbin then puts my video back on and open to the public. I shared this with you without having any explanation or advice, but to let you know, you're not the only unlucky one. Choose wisely who you allow in your video as well. Sorry about your trouble.

[@tomdearie5165]

Hey, Liam I shoot out of a 14.5’ Advanced Elements Airvolution rigid inflatable kayak. It’s an open cockpit design and can be paddled solo or tandem. I use it solo for expeditions. The advantage, apart for easy storage, is that it’s a super-stable platform. You can actually stand up in it, though don’t do that with a $10k camera rig on board. 😎 I’ve had it backcountry up north and paddled mudflats and over rocks and log snags for three seasons and it still doesn’t have a mark on it. It’s probably a bit heavier than your boat, weighing in a 52lbs. So I wouldn’t want to solo portage it for any distance without a kayak-cart. Cheers Tom

[@liamdmcinerney]

Interesting, I’ve seen those inflatable kayaks but I’ve never considered using one. Sounds like it absolutely holds up to the rugged field use. And actually my kayak is probably around that weight, give or take. It’s fairly stable but I’m still figuring out how to shoot video from it. During this shoot I was using a monopod. I think the current was the limiting factor tho. Anyway, thanks for letting me know what you’re using. See ya back soon!

[@CanadasNature]

this is amazing video! keep it up 👏

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thank you! Will do!

[@stefangoldensteinwildlife9929]

Hi Liam. Very nice footage of the beaver. wildlife with a kayak seems to be fun. Greets Stefan

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thanks, Stefan. Wildlife videography from the kayak is very fun but the biggest challenge is getting stabilized footage (and also vlogging). Cheers!

[@photostu]

First time catching one of your vids, really nice story telling presentation. Subbed and liked, sorry about the lens, that is heartbreaking!

[@liamdmcinerney]

I appreciate that and thank you for subscribing! It’s no fun having to get a new lens, but sometimes that happens. I will be more careful with the new one haha

[@fredsobotincic1587]

Sorry to hear about your lens problem. …I know how you feel. I have 2 Sony lenses that need to be fixed ,..one of them has mold, mildew, or fungus on the inside of the front lens element ,.it’s the 100 to 400 GM ,.. I’m living in Panama these last few years ,…I had no idea of the hazards of living in a humidity environment and photographic lenses really caught me, unaware,.. I also have a 135 mm, 1.8 GM lens that got dropped no obvious damage but the focus ring is very stiff. Seems as sharp as ever, and I can’t tell any problems with it other than that sticky focus ring. Maybe you can publish your effort getting your 200 to 600 mm repaired, ? I appreciate your videos,.. nicely done,.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Bummer to hear about the moisture issues. I can only imagine how the climate affects your gear! Sorry to hear about the focus ring on the 135. That would drive me crazy especially if you’re doing closeup/macro photos. I did think about having the lens repaired but I opted to buy a new one. I’ll post a video soon talking about all this! Thanks for watching!

[@hla5955]

Those early morning shots are always my favorite. I hope the new lens works out for you! Looking forward to the content to come

[@liamdmcinerney]

Hope I don't break this one too soon!

[@Jimmiehammarstrom47]

Broken gear is never fun, but 1000 subscribers is! Thats a milestone, so big congrats to that!

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thank you, Jimmie! I guess we all break our camera gear once in awhile. Can’t wait to get back out there with a new lens though!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nice video 👍

[@foto-spective]

Great video. I love the Loons and have always wanted to photograph them. Just recently I learned they apparently are in my area during migration. Now I just need to research when and where. I'll be just as happy photographing a Loon in Florida as I would in Maine.

[@liamdmcinerney]

I would be pretty psyched on photographing a loon in Florida as well! I’d imagine they are down that way in winter. They must have their winter plumage? Anyway, thanks for watching see ya soon!

[@northernfocuscreative-nfc-2511]

First, bummer about the lens damage 😕glad to hear you have the means to replace it so you’re not held up shooting. I’m have been rocking the Old Town Discovery solo 119 for a couple yrs. Great for photography & fishing 🎣 😊. It’s not the lowest “water level” shooting craft but it checks a lot of box’s. I recommend buying or making a “drift sock” or bring a small anchor to help with kayak drift. 👌🏻

[@liamdmcinerney]

I’ll be counting pennies for awhile, but the show must go on! The low “water level” was what attracted me to it at the store. Visually it seems like it’s got a low profile but haven’t compared those specs to what I’ve got. Glad it’s been working well for you! And yup, I actually have a small grappling anchor that came with the kayak. It’s somewhere in the garage…better find it before the season gets under way!

[@glenmitchell4868]

Great video. That looks like a great place to paddle. I use a Perception Conduit 9.5, which is a sit-in kayak that's nice and stable. I love wildlife photography from a kayak. I have gotten lots of otter photos thay way. Thanks for posting!

[@liamdmcinerney]

I've actually used one of those kayaks before. It paddles great and easy to maneuver, but the light weight was the biggest selling point for me. Hoping to see a few more otters this summer! Thanks for watching, Glen!

[@glenmitchell4868]

@@liamdmcinerney I see most of mine early in the morning. If you're ever in Southwest Virginia, let me know. I have an extra kayak and we can go try to find some otters!

[@liamdmcinerney]

@@glenmitchell4868definitely will! I’ve never been to that stretch of our country

[@rickpopham5400]

Arrgh! Sorry about that lens. I have a couple of 12' boats I shoot from. One is the Oru Beach LT, which is an "origami" boat that folds into itself to form a largeish suitcase. I keep it in the back of my Subaru from May to October so it's always on hand. Takes about 10 minutes or less to set up -- unless there are people around who want to ask questions about it. The other one is a Hornbeck Classic 12 pack boat which weighs in at just 18 lbs. It's made of a carbon fiber/kevlar matrix. Both of these are ideal for the still water ponds and slow moving rivers I visit.

[@liamdmcinerney]

Thanks, Rick! It’s alright, lenses grow on trees! And very cool, I’ve seen a few of those foldable kayaks and wondered what the application would be to have one but you just answered that. I tend to drive around with my kayak strapped to the truck during those same months haha, but it gets tiresome taking it off when I need to go places where I wouldn’t want it to get snatched. That Hornbeck classic 12 is a BEAUTIFUL boat. Looking at that thing makes me excited for the spring. Good luck out there and see ya around here soon

[@rickpopham5400]

I prefer the Hornbeck these days. It's actually lighter than the Oru, and less fiddly to get it on the water. But I really worry about it getting stolen if I leave it on the racks all the time. I'll probably take the Oru when I head up to Maine in August. I'm staying in Lubec for a couple days on either side of my puffin trip, and I noticed some state parks nearby where I might be able to get on the water.