A Golden Surprise at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

Many of you who follow my wildlife photography know I frequent the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Since 2007, I’ve captured countless amazing images of the diverse animals that call this refuge home. This year, however, my camera caught something unexpected – a field of golden wheat swaying gently in the breeze.

Over the years, I’ve grown accustomed to seeing vast stretches of corn and soybeans dominate the landscape. A few years ago, there was even a beautiful field of sunflowers (which I hope makes a return appearance!). But winter wheat? This was a first.

Intrigued by this new addition, I decided to delve a little deeper. My research revealed that winter wheat is a fascinating crop. Planted in the fall, it goes dormant during the harsh winter months, using this time to develop a strong root system. Come spring, it awakens with renewed vigor, reaching maturity in late spring to early summer – right around the time I spotted this field. The change in color from green to golden brown signifies that the wheat is nearing harvest.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the winter wheat cycle in Oklahoma:

• Planting Season: Mid-September to mid-October
• Dormancy: Winter months (using this time to establish strong roots)
• Spring Growth: Resumes growth as temperatures rise
• Maturity: May to early June (golden brown color indicates harvest time)

This golden expanse of wheat isn’t just a beautiful sight; it’s a vital part of Oklahoma’s agricultural landscape. Once harvested, this wheat will be transformed into flour and countless other wheat-based products.

The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge continues to surprise me, offering not only a haven for wildlife but also a glimpse into the important agricultural practices that sustain this state. And who knows, maybe next year I’ll have some stunning photos of sunflowers swaying in the breeze to share with you all!