While driving over the Sally Jones Causeway at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I spotted a large American Bullfrog partially submerged near the edge of the water. As a wildlife photographer, I always have my camera gear nearby, so I quickly grabbed my camera and bean bag, positioned myself in my pickup truck, and started photographing this impressive amphibian.
American Bullfrog Partially Submerged In Water
The American Bullfrog is the largest frog in North America, often reaching 6 to 8 inches in length. They get their common name from the booming croak the males make during breeding season – it sounds like a bull! I was fortunate to capture this male amid his vocalizations.
Bullfrogs are ambush predators, sitting patiently along the water’s edge before striking at passing prey. Their diet consists of insects, small mammals, fish, and even other frogs! Yet despite their fierce nature, I find their squat bodies and staring eyes have a certain comical appeal as well.
Getting to observe and photograph wildlife in their natural habitats is one of the greatest rewards of my work. I feel grateful to have captured this image of the common yet charismatic American Bullfrog. The Sally Jones Causeway provides excellent access to view a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians that call the wetlands of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge home. I can’t wait to return soon and see what other photographic opportunities await.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon EF 800 mm f/11
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: August 07, 2021 (7:58 A.M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 5000 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: – 0.3
- Focal Length: 800 mm
