I was driving across the Sally Jones Causeway at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma when I spotted a Green Heron next to the road. I was able to maneuver my truck into a spot so that I could get a clear shot of this beautiful bird. After getting a couple of photos, I would pull forward to get closer. The Heron was grooming itself and didn’t react to my starting my truck to move forward. I made this move one more time and got close enough for a nice portrait image showing its tongue. This Green Heron was perched in a spot that made it difficult for me to use my bean bag for a camera support. I used the upper door frame for support instead. After getting the image I wanted, I decided not to drive away and to just observe this bird grooming itself. After a few minutes, another Green Heron flew nearby and this Heron flew after it.
Note: When I photograph from inside my truck, I always turn the engine off. The engine running creates vibration, which will cause soft images.
Photography allows me to share the wonders I witness and remind us that we are but one part of nature’s web.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 800 mm F11
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: August 29, 2023 (08:22 A. M.)
- Program Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11
- Shutter speed: 1/1000
- ISO: 1600 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: +0.7
- Focal Length: 800 mm