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.
Male Indigo Bunting
Male Indigo Bunting On Plant
During the summer months, the male Indigo Bunting is a magnificent shade of blue, which serves as a way to attract potential mates during the breeding season. This stunning transformation is a sight to behold, and it’s no surprise that these birds are a favorite amongst wildlife photographers and birdwatchers.
In contrast, the male Indigo Bunting sports a brown coat during the winter months, while the female maintains a brown coat all year round. This subtle difference in appearance is just one of the many unique traits of this species.
Interestingly, I spotted this particular bird near Shugg’s Pond, which is located near Reeve’s Boat Ramp. This area is a popular spot for birdwatching 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 stunning 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.
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