As I was leaving the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge last November, I had one more incredible wildlife encounter. I had spent the morning photographing various species along the auto tour route and was heading out when this whitetail buck crossed my path.
The first image shows the buck walking through an old cornfield towards the new access road in the refuge (which you can see in the second photo). I found it peculiar that the buck was headed in the direction of a public parking area. But upon reaching the road, he changed course and turned west towards a tree line.
Even when I am winding down my wildlife photography sessions, I always keep an eye out until I’ve left the refuge. This last minute diligence paid off with the chance to photograph this healthy whitetail buck in the golden light of late fall.
I’m thrilled to have captured these images to remember yet another special wildlife encounter. Even as the seasons change, there are always new surprises just waiting to be discovered by patient and observant photographers.
Image Information (Second Image):
- Date: 11/23/22
- Time: 10:29 AM
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- ISO: 800
- Aperture: 7.1
- Shutter: 1/800
- Exp. Comp.: 0
- Lens (mm): 500
- Program: Manual
WOW He’s a beauty What a great photo.
Thank you!