I spotted a Cinnamon Raccoon back on April 2018. I came across it at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma while driving around. I have watched for it ever since, wanting to get a better photo.
On 07-02-2018, I was photographing several Yellow-crowned Night-Herons at Miner’s Cove which is an area at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. This Cinnamon Raccoon waded into the water and began searching for a meal. It came close several times and I was able to get lots of photos. I’m not sure if this is the same one I saw back on April 2018. It looks darker but that could be because it is wet.
On 07-03-2018 I was back in this same area and I saw it again during the same time period. I was able to get even more photos.
Something I also noticed in my photos is that this Raccoon looks blind or partially blind in its left eye. I can see a dead spot!
You can see a higher resolution of this photo here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/screek/28320921727/
How I Got The Shot – Cinnamon Raccoon
I parked on the side of the tour road at Miner’s Cove which is just north of the 4-corners intersection (Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge). I had my Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup. I was using a Canon EF 100 – 400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Back-button focus
- Aperture f8
- ISO 1000
- Shutter speed 1/1600
- Auto White Balance
- Single Point, Continuous Auto Focus
- Evaluative Metering
- Focal Length 400 mm
- -0.3 exposure value
Tip
Be patient with wildlife! Animals are unpredictable, and sometimes you may have to wait longer to get the ideal shot.