A few days ago I had an incredible experience at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. I was driving along the auto tour road, my camera at the ready, hoping to spot some wildlife. That’s when I saw him – a stunning male Indigo Bunting. His brilliant blue plumage shone in the sunlight.
This clever bunting had figured out an ingenious way to get to the seeds in the tall Johnson grass that lined the road. He would fly up and land on top of the grass, pushing it down with his body weight. Then he would hold the grass in place by standing on it while he ate the seeds. I watched him repeat this behavior several times, flying up, pushing the grass down, and then holding it in place to snack.
It was incredible to witness this bird’s intelligence and problem-solving skills! The Johnson grass towered over him, but he quickly devised a method to make those seeds accessible. I was able to get some fantastic shots of him in action too. I love when I’m able to observe wildlife engage in unique behaviors like this. It’s a special treat for a photographer like me. Moments like these remind me why I love what I do. There’s always more to discover when you take the time to quietly observe.
Until next time, keep exploring, keep observing, and keep cherishing the wonders of nature. There’s always more to discover, and I can’t wait to share my next wildlife adventure with all of you.
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 800
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: July 22, 2023 (09:08 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 10000 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: +0.7
- Focal Length: 800 mm
I enjoy your enjoyment as much as the photos! Thanks for letting us see behind the scenes!
I’m so glad you were there to catch such an interesting as well as beautiful moment. Thanks, Steve!
Birds are brilliant. Thanks for sharing the story behind this image.