In February 2012, I captured this photograph of a Great Blue Heron catching a shad at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. The heron was on the south side of the auto tour road, across from Tuff Pond near the Arkansas River.
Observations from This Winter
This winter, I haven’t seen as many Great Blue Herons at this refuge as I usually do. Perhaps colder temperatures or changes in water levels have pushed them to backwater areas, away from the auto tour road. As a result, their reduced presence along the main routes has been noticeable.
The Photography Setup
For this photo, I parked on the side of the road and used my truck as a stable platform. This minimized vibrations and allowed better control of the heavy camera and lens. To capture the perfect shot, I rested my Canon 7D with a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS lens on a bean bag draped over the open window. I waited patiently. Fortunately, the heron’s timing was perfect. The golden morning light enhanced the shimmer of its feathers and the silvery glint of the shad as it was caught.
Technical Details
Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
Date & Time: February 19, 2012, at 08:56 A.M.
Camera Settings:
- Mode: Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Shutter Speed: 1/2500 sec.
- ISO: 640
- Exposure Compensation: -1/3
- Focal Length: 500mm
Reflections on Wildlife Photography
This moment reminds me of the patience needed in wildlife photography. By observing the heron’s movements, I anticipated the exact moment it caught the shad. That made the shot possible. Even though I didn’t see as many herons that day, this single encounter made the trip worthwhile. More importantly, the interplay of behavior, light, and timing created an image that tells a story. This experience also reinforced the value of persistence and preparation.
Share Your Experiences
If you’ve been to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge recently, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Moreover, I’m eager to learn about any sightings of herons or other wildlife. Share your favorite photography tips or techniques. Also, feel free to offer advice on improving wildlife photography strategies.