I captured this image of a Cottontail Rabbit reaching for a plant near the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge office in Oklahoma on May 15th, just before the flooding hit. The office area was later submerged, and employees temporarily relocated to the Vian, Oklahoma School due to the flood damage. At the time, much of the refuge was under water, significantly impacting the local wildlife and facilities.
Recent Updates on the Refuge
According to a recent Facebook post, most of the refuge has reopened, and extensive cleanup efforts have been made. The staff and volunteers have worked diligently to restore the area after the flood. You can check out some of the flood damage updates shared on the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge Facebook page.
Capturing the Moment
I was preparing to leave the refuge when I noticed this rabbit near the restroom area. The rabbit appeared to be foraging for food, reaching for a plant just outside the paved path. I quickly parked my vehicle and used it as a photography blind to avoid alarming the rabbit.
For this shot, I used my Fujifilm X-T3 camera, paired with a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens via a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter. Here were my camera settings:
- Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority (AV)
- Shutter Speed: 1/320 sec
- Aperture: f/5.6
- ISO: 800
- Exposure Compensation: -0.3 EV
The aperture of f/5.6 created a pleasing depth of field, keeping the rabbit in sharp focus while softly blurring the background. The shutter speed of 1/320 sec was suitable for capturing the rabbit’s subtle movements as it reached for the plant. I used a -0.3 exposure compensation to prevent overexposure from the bright early morning light.
Cottontail Rabbit Behavior and Habitat
Cottontail Rabbits are commonly found in various habitats across North America, including fields, forests, and even suburban areas. They are herbivorous, feeding primarily on grasses and other vegetation. In spring and summer, their diet consists mostly of fresh green plants, while in winter, they may rely on bark, twigs, and dried vegetation.
These rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. This behavior helps them avoid predators and extreme temperatures, making dawn and dusk ideal times for wildlife photographers to observe and capture their activities.
Tips for Photographing Wildlife from a Vehicle
Using a vehicle as a photography blind can be an effective strategy for capturing images of skittish wildlife like rabbits. Here are some tips:
- Park at a Safe Distance: Approach slowly and park far enough away that the animal does not feel threatened.
- Use a Bean Bag or Window Mount: Resting the camera on a bean bag draped over the window helps stabilize the shot and reduce camera shake.
- Shoot in Aperture Priority Mode: This allows you to control the depth of field while the camera adjusts the shutter speed for proper exposure.
- Be Patient: Wait quietly in the vehicle for the animal to return to normal behavior if it seems startled.
Reflecting on the Flood’s Impact
The May 2019 flood had a significant effect on the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge and its wildlife. While many animals adapted by moving to higher ground or relocating temporarily, the flooding disrupted their habitats. As the refuge recovers, sightings like this Cottontail Rabbit provide a hopeful sign that wildlife is returning to normalcy.
Photographing this Cottontail Rabbit was a special reminder of nature’s resilience. Despite the flooding and temporary challenges, the rabbit continued its daily activities, offering a glimpse of the refuge’s recovery process. Encounters like these inspire us to appreciate the smaller, everyday moments in nature.