It was a sunny morning when I headed out to Tuff Pond at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I had been spending the last few days photographing the colorful Green Tree Frogs that are abundant in this area during the summer months. As I walked along the edge of the water, peering into the duckweed-covered water, a young bullfrog caught my eye.
The little guy was sitting perfectly still on something that was poking out above the surface of the water. Both the object and the frog were completely covered in the green duckweed that takes over the pond this time of year. If not for the bullfrog’s shiny eyes, I likely would have missed him altogether among the floating vegetation.
I slowly maneuvered myself into a position where I could get a clear shot without disturbing the well-camouflaged amphibian. Bullfrogs startle easily and will plop into the safety of the water at the slightest movement or noise. Luckily, this one stayed put just long enough for me to fire off a few photos. The late morning sun lit up the scene perfectly.
I feel fortunate to have stumbled upon this young bullfrog in its habitat among the duckweed. Capturing wild creatures in their natural settings is what wildlife photography is all about. Moments like this remind me why I love what I do. I can’t wait to see what other hidden gems are waiting to be discovered beneath the duckweed-dotted surface of Tuff Pond.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: August 16, 2023 (07:49 A. M.)
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 2000 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: +0.3
- Focal Length: 500 mm