Double crested Cormorant With Catfish

Double-crested Cormorant With Catfish

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I photographed this Double-crested Cormorant while it was catching catfish at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I was near the Lower Scarborough area, just past Miner’s Cove. This is a great spot for watching waterbirds, especially during the early morning hours when they’re actively feeding.

Double crested Cormorant With Catfish
A Double-crested Cormorant surfaces with a freshly caught catfish at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

A Successful Hunt

The bird caught two catfish within a short time. Both fish were about the same size. It flipped the first one around and swallowed it quickly with no trouble. The second fish was more difficult. The cormorant dunked it under the water several times, as if the fish was putting up a fight. After some effort, it finally lined it up and swallowed it whole.

Waiting for the Shot

To get these photos, I stayed in my vehicle and waited. I saw the cormorant in the distance, moving slowly in my direction as it hunted. I didn’t move, hoping it would come close. After about 45 minutes, it came right into range. I was able to capture some great shots as it worked on the second catfish.

My Setup

My camera and lens were resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup. This setup keeps things steady and lets me photograph birds without scaring them off. It’s a method I use often when shooting from my vehicle, especially in places like this refuge.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon 7D Mark 2
  • Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II With 1.4 Extender

Technical:

  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
  • Date & Time Taken: April 28, 2018 (09:07 A.M.)
  • Aperture Priority
  • Aperture: f6.3
  • Shutter speed: 1/2000 sec. (as determined by the camera)
  • ISO: 500
  • Exposure Compensation: 0
  • Focal Length: 700 mm