I was driving the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge when I spotted a red-shouldered hawk near Miner’s Cove. It was one of those quick wildlife moments that can disappear fast, so I stopped as soon as I could.
Red-shouldered Hawk Along Miner’s Cove
The hawk was perched low in brush near the road when I first saw it. Its rich brown plumage stood out against the muted greens and browns around the cove. The moment I stopped the car, it lifted off and crossed the water to a nearby willow tree.
That quick move changed the scene in an instant. Instead of a roadside look, I had a view of the bird perched in the willows, watching the area below. I managed to get a couple of photos before it flew off again.
There was very little water in Miner’s Cove that day, and the refuge looked dry overall. We needed a good soaking rain. With water levels down, wildlife seemed concentrated near the remaining pools and channels.
That made this hawk encounter even more interesting. I did not expect to see it in that exact spot, but something had clearly caught its attention. It may have been watching for movement along the muddy banks or in the dry vegetation nearby.
Photographing a Red-shouldered Hawk in the Willows
Once the hawk settled in the willow tree, I had a short window to work. I stayed in the vehicle and photographed it from the road. The bird looked calm but alert, scanning the area before moving on.
Red-shouldered hawks are year-round residents in this part of Oklahoma. They often hunt from perches, then drop down on small prey. In wetland habitat like this, they can take advantage of whatever food source is available.
This perch gave me a clean chance to show both the bird and the setting. The willow branches helped frame the hawk and added context to the scene. That matters to me, because I want the photo to show more than a bird on a branch. I want it to say something about where the animal lives and how it uses that place.
Camera details
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical details, first photo
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date and time taken: September 1, 2023, 8:56 a.m.
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 500 (Auto)
- Exposure compensation: +0.3
- Focal length: 500mm
Why This Oklahoma Hawk Encounter Stayed With Me
This was a brief encounter, but it stayed with me. A hawk like this can turn an ordinary slow drive into a memorable moment with one sudden flight across the cove.
hat is one reason I keep returning to places like Sequoyah Refuge. I always enjoy seeing a red-shouldered hawk in habitat that suits it so well. This bird only stayed a short time, but it gave me a strong reminder of why I keep returning to Sequoyah Refuge with my camera.
That is one reason I keep returning to places like Sequoyah Refuge. You never know when a wild scene will come together for just a few seconds. I am grateful I had the chance to photograph this red-shouldered hawk before it slipped away in search of its next meal.
Every wildlife photograph feels like an opportunity to help people notice what is still out there. I hope images like these encourage others to value and protect the wild places we still have.