I spotted this American Bullfrog while driving the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Seeing such a large frog sitting out on the gravel caught my attention right away.
The morning light was soft, and the frog stayed still long enough for several photos before moving off the road.
American Bullfrog Crossing the Refuge Road
American Bullfrogs are the largest frogs found in North America. They are often found near shallow wetlands, marsh edges, and quiet backwaters. I have also photographed them while resting in the water at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in this post about an American Bullfrog partially submerged in water.
At Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, it is common to hear their deep calls during warm spring and summer mornings.
This bullfrog was sitting on a gravel section of the refuge road not far from wet habitat. Frogs will often move between feeding and breeding areas during cooler parts of the day. Early morning is usually a good time to spot them before temperatures rise.
The rough gravel surface created a strong contrast with the frog’s smooth skin. That texture helped the frog stand out in the frame while still showing part of its environment.
Photographing a Bullfrog in Early Morning Light
I photographed this frog while outside my truck and hand-holding the camera to avoid disturbing it. Staying low and keeping some distance helped me capture a more natural pose.
The early morning light worked well for bringing out detail in the frog’s skin and eyes. The long focal length also helped isolate the subject from the road surface behind it.
Camera Settings
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/3200
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1.0
- Focal Length: 500mm
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date Taken: May 13, 2022 at 8:26 A.M.
Why This Oklahoma Bullfrog Encounter Caught My Attention
I always enjoy finding wildlife in unexpected places. Seeing this American Bullfrog resting on the gravel road made for a simple but memorable scene.
Moments like this are one reason I enjoy driving the refuge roads early in the morning. You never know what might appear around the next bend.