American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
American Bittern at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, photographed after a Merlin encounter on a memorable spring morning.
Bird Photography
Bird photography can be challenging. You need the right gear. A good camera and lens are key. Settings matter too. Fast shutter speeds help freeze motion. Learn how to adjust ISO and aperture. Techniques are important. Think about composition. Get close-ups. Try aerial shots. Capture birds in their habitat. Patience is needed. Birds move quickly. They can be hard to find. Study bird behavior. Know where they live. Understand their habits. This will help you get better photos.
Merlin at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
I photographed a Merlin at Sequoyah NWR for the first time. Read my wildlife and photography notes on this compact, fast falcon encounter.
Bald Eagle Carrying a Fish at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
I photographed a Bald Eagle carrying a large fish at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge after it lifted off from a perch near the river.
Mourning Dove Carrying Pine Needles for Nest Building
A Mourning Dove carries pine needles through my Arkansas yard as it gathers nest material, a simple sign that nesting season is underway.
Male Downy Woodpecker Waiting for His Morning Suet
A male Downy Woodpecker waited near my deck for suet, then called for breakfast. I photographed the moment in Arkansas.
Barred Owl Pellet Found in My Arkansas Yard
I found what appears to be a Barred Owl pellet under a pine tree in my Arkansas yard, with hair and tiny bone fragments visible.
Northern Flicker Pulls a Buried Acorn From the Ground
A Northern Flicker probed the ground in my Arkansas yard, pulled up a buried acorn, cracked it open, and ate the kernel.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on a Dwarf Pear Tree in Arkansas
A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker climbed my dwarf pear tree in Arkansas, showing the neat bands of holes these woodpeckers drill in bark.