Green Tree Frog on an American Lotus Leaf

As a wildlife photographer, I love exploring nature and capturing its beauty with my camera. Join me on this blog post as I share an exciting adventure I had at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. After many years of trying, I finally got the chance to take photos of a Green Tree Frog on an American Lotus Leaf.

Reeve’s Slough and the Quest for Frogs:

Reeve’s Slough is a special place inside Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a beautiful spot with lots of different animals. Every summer for the past 16 years, I’ve gone there hoping to see frogs sitting on American Lotus Leaves and Lily Pads. I’ve seen pictures of frogs on these plants before and always wanted to take my own. On July 10, 2023, I searched for frogs on the American Lotus leaves, but I couldn’t find any. I checked the area where boats are launched, but still no frogs. I decided to go back to the fishing pier for one last look, and that’s when I spotted a Green Tree Frog.

An Unexpected Discovery:

As I reached the fishing pier, I saw something exciting—a small Green Tree Frog sitting on a nearby American Lotus Leaf. I was thrilled because I had been waiting for this moment for a long time. The frog was bright green and blended in perfectly with the leaf’s colors. It posed nicely, almost as if it knew I wanted to take its picture.

Unique Traits of the Green Tree Frog:

Green Tree Frogs have some interesting features that make them special. Here are a few things that make them stand out:

1. Sticky Feet: Green Tree Frogs have special sticky pads on their feet that help them stick to different surfaces like leaves and tree trunks. This helps them move around easily in their tree homes.
2. Nighttime Activity: These frogs are most active at night. During the day, they rest in the shade or hide in small spaces. They have big eyes that help them see well in the dark, which is useful for finding food and avoiding danger.
3. Singing Frogs: Male Green Tree Frogs make unique sounds to communicate. Their calls are like soft, high-pitched “reeb-its.” They use these sounds to attract mates and defend their territory during breeding season.

Conclusion:

Wildlife photography is an amazing way to capture the wonders of nature. My experience with the Green Tree Frog at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was a dream come true after many years of trying. It taught me that patience and perseverance pay off when it comes to photographing wildlife. I hope my story inspires you to appreciate the beauty of nature and maybe even try your hand at wildlife photography. Stay tuned for more adventures and stories from the wild!

Equipment Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
  

Technical Details:

• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date and Time Taken: July 10, 2023 (08:53 A. M.)
• Aperture: f10
• Shutter speed: 1/800
• ISO: 1250 (Auto)
• Exp. Comp.: +0.3
• Focal Length: 500 mm