Pelican with Fresh Catch

American White Pelican Fishing at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

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On February 5, 2021, I photographed an American White Pelican fishing at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. This happened on the north side of the Sally Jones Causeway. It was the same time and place where I captured the “Three American White Pelicans” featured in a recent post. (Check it out here).

Pelican with Fresh Catch
An American White Pelican expertly catches a fish at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, showcasing its impressive hunting skills.

I parked on the roadside for this session. My camera gear was supported on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup. This setup gave me stability for sharp shots without needing a tripod.

American White Pelican Swallowing the Prize
The pelican tilts its head back to swallow its freshly caught fish, highlighting its unique feeding technique.

Gear and Technical Details:

  • Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
  • Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II (connected using a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter)
  • Aperture: f/7.1
  • Shutter Speed: 1/4700 (determined automatically by the camera)
  • ISO: 2000
  • Exposure Compensation: -1.0
  • Focal Length: 400 mm

Observations

The pelican was actively fishing, scooping fish from the water with its large pouch. I captured several moments, from the catch to the swallow. The morning light created beautiful shadows and highlights on the water.

American White Pelican Focused on the Next Catch
With its beak dipping into the water, you can see the small fish hanging from its beak.

About the Location

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is ideal for birdwatching and photography. Migratory birds like American White Pelicans visit during colder months. The mix of open water, wetlands, and forest attracts diverse wildlife.

I return here often because it offers so many opportunities. If you plan to photograph wildlife, stabilizing your gear (with a bean bag or window mount) helps a lot.

Have you photographed pelicans or other waterbirds? Share your experiences in the comments!