It’s the end of July here in eastern Oklahoma and things are hopping! For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been patrolling the service roads at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge looking for interesting wildlife to photograph. During my walks I’ve noticed an explosion in the grasshopper population. These spur-legged little critters are everywhere, leaping up at every step I take down the gravel roads.
I’ve been walking these same roads for years and I can’t recall ever seeing this many grasshoppers before. There must be some sort of infestation going on. While grasshoppers are a normal part of the ecosystem, too many of them can damage crops and vegetation. I’m not sure what species they all are – maybe a mix of red-legged and differential grasshoppers. I’ll have to do some more research to identify them.
I’ll be keeping an eye on the grasshoppers over the next few weeks. An explosion like this is unusual and I’m curious to see what might be causing it. Could weather conditions be contributing to a population boom? Is there a lack of natural predators? Are there enough birds around to keep them in check? Lots of questions to explore! Stay tuned here for more grasshopper updates!
As a wildlife photographer, it’s not just about capturing stunning images; it’s also about observing and understanding the intricacies of the natural world. Such phenomena remind me of the delicate balance that exists in the ecosystem, and how every species, no matter how small, plays a crucial role.
Stay tuned here for more grasshopper updates as I delve deeper into the mystery behind this hopping phenomenon. Nature never ceases to surprise, and I can’t wait to uncover the secrets that lie beneath this extraordinary spectacle.
Until next time, keep exploring and cherishing the wonders of the wild!
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: July 18, 2023 (08:25 A. M.)
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 500 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: 0
- Focal Length: 500 mm