I spotted this young scissor-tailed flycatcher near Willow Slough at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It was perched on a small tree above an open field, lit by soft morning light and still enough for me to study it for a few quiet moments.
Juvenile Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Over the Field
The bird was a juvenile, likely fledged earlier that summer. Its tail was not yet as long as an adult’s, but the forked shape already stood out. Even at a glance, it had the look that makes scissor-tailed flycatchers so easy to recognise.
It sat above the field for several minutes, alert and watching the grass below. That raised perch gave it a good view of the ground. The scene felt calm, but the bird looked ready to move at any second.
As I watched, I could see how this young bird was already using the field edge the way a flycatcher should. It stayed focused, scanning below, then suddenly reacted to something in the grass. A moment later, it dropped from the branch and flew low into the field, likely after an insect or spider.
Photographing a Young Flycatcher in Morning Light
I started taking photos from a distance so I would not spook the bird. After a few frames, I moved a little closer. Every so often, I stopped, stayed quiet, and took another short series of shots.
That slow approach worked well. By the end, I was only about 10 steps away. That gave me a much better view of the plumage and let me capture the bird in soft early light without pushing too far.
I stopped there on purpose. I did not want to disturb the flycatcher any more than I already had. A few moments later, it launched from the branch and went after something in the field. I missed the actual catch, but I came away with photos I was happy to make.
Camera details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date and time: August 16, 2023, 8:36 A.M.
- Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/10
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 250, Auto
- Exposure compensation: -0.7
- Focal length: 500mm
Why This Oklahoma Bird Encounter Stayed With Me
This was a simple moment, but it stayed with me. Watching a young scissor-tailed flycatcher hold its perch, study the field, and then make its move was a reminder that even brief encounters can feel special.
I did not get every shot I wanted. Still, the chance to photograph this bird in its habitat was enough. Mornings like this are a big part of why I keep heading out with a camera.
For another look at one of these birds, see my young scissor-tail encounter from a different outing.