Wildlife photography is a passion of mine, and I recently had the pleasure of spotting and capturing the elusive Mississippi Mud Turtle on camera. It was a stroke of luck that I even noticed the turtle, as it was sitting quietly at the edge of a road near a plowed field in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
This small, freshwater turtle is native to the southeastern United States and is known for its dark brown or black shell and yellow stripes on its head and neck. It is a shy creature and usually stays hidden in mud or shallow water, making it a rare sight for photographers like myself.
To capture this photo, I had to be patient and still. I sat at the edge of the road and waited for the turtle to start moving. After some time, it finally began to walk, and I was able to capture this beautiful creature on camera.
What sets the Mississippi Mud Turtle apart from other turtles is its ability to thrive in muddy waters. They are excellent swimmers and have adapted to their environment by developing webbed feet that allow them to move quickly through the water. Their diet consists mainly of insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Despite their impressive adaptability, Mississippi Mud Turtles face threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human activity. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these turtles and their habitats, but it is up to all of us to do our part in preserving their home and way of life.
In conclusion, capturing a photo of the Mississippi Mud Turtle was a thrilling experience for me as a wildlife photographer. Its ability to thrive in muddy waters and its unique features make it a fascinating creature to observe and photograph. It is essential to protect these turtles and their habitats for future generations to enjoy.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
- Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II
Technical: First Photo
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: March 24, 2018 (08:36 A. M.)
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/1250
- ISO: 800
- Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
- Focal Length: 400 mm