During a recent trip to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had a brief but memorable encounter with a coyote. Driving along the auto tour road, I noticed the coyote moving through the brush. It paused just long enough to cast a quick glance in my direction before vanishing into the undergrowth. It was one of those fleeting moments that you’re grateful to capture through the lens.
What stood out to me, aside from the moment itself, was the coyote’s apparent health. The coyotes in this refuge seem exceptionally robust. Over the years, I’ve photographed many coyotes in various locations, but the ones at Sequoyah consistently appear among the healthiest I’ve seen. It’s a testament to the quality of their habitat and the resources available to them.
Capturing the Shot
I was prepared for the moment with my Canon EOS 7D Mark II and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. My setup rested on a bean bag draped over the open window of my truck, providing stability for a sharp shot. Here’s a breakdown of the settings I used to freeze the moment:
- Mode: AV (Aperture Priority)
- Aperture: f/5.6
- ISO: 800
- Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec
- Exposure Compensation: -1/3 EV
- Focal Length: 400mm
These settings allowed me to balance light and motion effectively, ensuring I could quickly adapt to the fast movements of the coyote.
The Beauty of Sequoyah’s Coyotes
Coyotes play a vital role in the ecosystem, and watching them thrive in their natural habitat is always rewarding. At Sequoyah, they seem especially vibrant, benefiting from the refuge’s protected environment. Observing them, even for just a second, offers a glimpse into their resilience and adaptability.
This moment was a reminder of why I enjoy wildlife photography. It’s not just about the shot—it’s about being present for these rare and fleeting connections with nature.