I recently had the opportunity to visit the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, a stunning haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. While exploring this picturesque refuge, I was fortunate enough to capture the beauty of a male Indigo Bunting in its natural habitat.
I spotted this particular bird near Shugg’s Pond, which is located near Reeve’s Boat Ramp. This area is a popular spot for bird watching and wildlife photography, and it’s easy to see why.
Despite the challenges of photographing wildlife in its natural habitat, I managed to capture this image while hand-holding my camera and lens out of the passenger window of my pickup. It’s moments like these that make the art of wildlife photography so rewarding.
Overall, my experience at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was a truly memorable one, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of a magnificent Indigo Bunting.
Where to Find Indigo Buntings
Indigo Buntings are found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and edges of forests. They prefer open areas with plenty of sunlight, and they are often seen singing from treetops or shrubs. Indigo Buntings are also attracted to backyards with bird feeders, so if you live in their range, you may be able to attract them to your yard by providing them with food and water.
How to Identify Indigo Buntings
The male Indigo Bunting is a striking bird with deep blue plumage. The female Indigo Bunting is more drab in coloration, with a brown body and a white belly. Both sexes have a distinctive black mask that extends from the bill to the eyes.
How to Attract Indigo Buntings to Your Yard
If you live in the range of Indigo Buntings, you can attract them to your yard by providing them with food and water. Indigo Buntings are attracted to bird feeders that offer nyjer seed or thistle seed. You can also provide them with a shallow dish of water for bathing.
Indigo Buntings are also attracted to dense vegetation, so planting some shrubs or trees in your yard will help to attract them. If you are lucky enough to attract Indigo Buntings to your yard, you will be rewarded with their beautiful song and their colorful plumage.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon EF 800 mm f/11
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: July 23, 2021 (8:30 A.M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11
- Shutter speed: 1/2500
- ISO: 3200 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 800 mm