A banded Painted Bunting made July 18, 2023 feel like a special morning at Sequoyah Wildlife Refuge. I had already photographed a male Indigo Bunting when this bright male Painted Bunting appeared on the road.
He did not stay long, but he gave me just enough time for a few frames.
Banded Painted Bunting Along the Refuge Road
This male Painted Bunting was focused on a nearby female when I found him. His red, green, and blue plumage stood out against the pale gravel.
The small metal band on his leg made the sighting even more interesting. I did not notice it until I looked closely at the photos later.
Bird bands can help researchers learn more about migration and survival. The refuge bands birds a couple of times each year, using trained people and proper permits.
Seeing a banded bird always makes me wonder about its story. Was this Painted Bunting banded at Sequoyah Wildlife Refuge, or somewhere else along its route?
Painted Buntings breed in parts of the southern United States and winter in Mexico and farther south. Seeing one during breeding season at the refuge is always a treat.
The sighting also reminded me why I never pass up a chance to photograph a male Painted Bunting. Few birds bring that much color to a quiet refuge road.
Photographing the Painted Bunting from the Truck
I moved my truck sideways a little at a time. Then I slowly opened the door and photographed from there.
That approach helped me avoid walking straight toward the birds. They still slipped into the brush quickly, but not before I made a few images.
The early morning timing helped. This photo was made at 6:57 A.M. at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Camera details:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/1000
- ISO: 8000, Auto
- Exposure compensation: +0.7
- Focal length: 500 mm
- Date and time: July 18, 2023, 6:57 A.M.
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Why This Bunting Encounter Stayed With Me
I always enjoy seeing Painted Buntings, but this one felt different. The leg band added a conservation story to an already beautiful bird.
Moments like this are why I keep returning to wildlife refuges. They protect the places where these birds feed, breed, rest, and move through the seasons.
This male was only in front of me for a short time. That was enough to make the morning memorable.