Indigo Bunting And The Strawberry Moon

One morning at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I witnessed a breathtaking scene. As a wildlife photographer, I usually avoid taking pictures when the light is behind my subject. But this time, I had to make an exception. A brilliant blue Indigo Bunting perched delicately on a branch, and directly behind it, the glowing Strawberry Moon lit up the sky. It was a moment of pure magic—too perfect to ignore.

A Serendipitous Encounter

Driving along the tour road, I soaked in the peaceful morning, eager to see what wildlife I might come across. Suddenly, I spotted a small bird nearby. It was as if the Indigo Bunting knew I was there, pausing just long enough to show off its striking blue feathers. As it began to sing, the moment took on an even more special significance—a private performance against the soft hues of dawn.

The Beauty of the Strawberry Moon

What made this experience even more remarkable was the presence of the Strawberry Moon. This full moon, which appears in June, is named for the wild strawberries that ripen at this time of year. Native American tribes gave it this name to mark a season of abundance and renewal. Seeing the moon’s gentle glow behind the vibrantly colored bird created an unforgettable contrast of light and shadow, making the scene feel like a work of art painted by nature itself.

Capturing the Perfect Shot

Watching the Indigo Bunting silhouetted against the Strawberry Moon felt like witnessing two forces of nature aligning in perfect harmony. I knew I had to act quickly to capture the fleeting moment.

Using my pickup truck as a stable vantage point, I carefully framed the shot, ensuring the bird and moon were positioned just right. It all came together in a way I never expected, serving as a powerful reminder of how nature rewards patience and attentiveness.

A Story in a Single Image

This photo is more than just an image—it tells a story. A story of a tiny blue bird, a luminous full moon, and the magic of being in the right place at the right time. Moments like these reaffirm why I do what I do: to capture and share the beauty of the natural world. If we take the time to look, nature will always surprise us with its quiet, extraordinary wonders.

Learn more about mastering wildlife silhouette photography here.

Gear Used:

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

Technical:

• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date and Time Taken: June 5, 2023 (05:53 A. M.)
• Aperture: f7.1
• Shutter speed: 1/160
• ISO: 4000 (Auto)
• Exp. Comp.: 0
• Focal Length: 500 mm