Spring is a very exciting time at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. As the water temperatures start to rise, the crayfish population becomes much more active. These movements signal a dinner bell for many hungry animals in the area.
Watching Crayfish at Sequoyah Refuge
I always look forward to seeing more crayfish activity in late winter and early spring. Their mating behaviors and increased movement make them easy prey for birds and fish. While they are small, they are a vital part of the ecosystem.
During a recent trip to Miner’s Cove, I saw this food web in action. A Barred Owl sat on a metal pole, watching the shallow water very closely. When a crayfish moved, the owl dived down and grabbed it. It then flew to a nearby branch to eat.
Predators and the Spring Crayfish Bloom
A bit later in the same spot, I found a Great Egret hunting. It walked slowly through the shallows with its neck stretched out. It quickly struck the water and came up with a large crayfish in its beak. Seeing how many species rely on this one food source is fascinating.
Photography Notes
Capturing these moments requires patience and a fast shutter speed. I used my Canon EOS R5 with the RF 100-500mm lens. I chose to hand hold the camera so I could move quickly if the owl changed perches. I kept my shutter at 1/1000 second to freeze the action of the hunt.
Settings:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Focal length: 500mm
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Shutter speed: 1/1000 second
- ISO: 640
- Exposure compensation: -1/3
- Support: Hand Holding
If you visit the refuge this spring, keep an eye on the water’s edge. You might see a Barred Owl or an Egret hunting for their next meal.
Great pics!!!
Thank you