I photographed this Male Painted Bunting at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. These birds are difficult for me to photograph. These birds are cautious, elusive, and frequently challenging to see with the naked eye.

Male Painted Bunting
Male Painted Bunting

The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is a hotbed for Wildlife Photographers, Birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Among the many avian species that call the refuge home, one of the most striking and eye-catching is the Male Painted Bunting. These birds are known for their bright and vivid colors, making them a popular target for birders and photographers alike.

Painted Buntings are small birds, typically measuring between 5 and 6 inches in length. They are recognizable by their distinctive plumage, which is characterized by a bright blue head, green back, and a vibrant red underbelly. The males are also known for their unique song, which they use to attract mates and establish territory.

The Painted Buntings are found in a variety of habitats throughout the southeastern United States, but they are particularly abundant in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is home to a variety of habitats, including forests and wetlands, which provide the perfect environment for these birds to thrive.

Visitors to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge can see Painted Buntings in the spring and summer months, when the males are in full breeding plumage and their colors are at their brightest.

If you’re a Wildlife Photographer, Birdwatcher, or simply someone who loves to be surrounded by nature, the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is a must-visit destination. With its diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, and stunning landscapes, it’s a place that will leave you in awe. So, be sure to pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and head out to the refuge to experience the beauty of the Male Painted Buntings for yourself.

Gear Used:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical:

  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
  • Date and Time Taken: July 27, 2022 (07:14 A. M.)
  • Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
  • Aperture: f7.1
  • Shutter speed: 1/8000
  • ISO: 6400
  • White Balance: Auto
  • Metering Mode: Evaluative
  • Back-button Focus
  • Animal Eye Single Point Auto Focus
  • Exposure Compensation: 0
  • Focal Length: 500 mm