During a recent hike in Arkansas, I stopped briefly at what turned into an unexpected wildlife photography pit stop. In an earlier post, I shared how I encountered a Sculptured Pine Borer Beetle on a utility pole along the trail. I photographed that beetle later in the afternoon, but I soon realized the same pole had already delivered several surprises earlier in the day.
A Prairie Lizard on the Utility Pole
Earlier that morning, I nearly walked past the pole without noticing the first subject. A slender brown Prairie Lizard was pressed flat against the weathered wood, blending in almost perfectly. Once I caught the slight movement, I paused and made a few quick adjustments to my camera.
I photographed the lizard as it climbed higher on the pole, gripping the surface with its toe pads. From close range, I could see its alert eyes tracking my movements. I also noticed its regrown tail, which Prairie Lizards often lose as a defense against predators. Encounters like this are a reminder that a good wildlife photography pit stop often rewards patience and attention to detail.
A Dragonfly Joins the Scene
The utility pole offered another subject. A large dragonfly landed briefly near the same spot where the lizard had been earlier. I believe it may be a Gray Petaltail, although I could not confirm the species.
Even so, I took advantage of the moment and captured a few images before it lifted off. Dragonflies rarely stay still for long, so having one pause within reach made the stop even more productive.
Why Small Stops Matter in a Wildlife Photography Pit Stop
What stood out most was how a single location produced opportunities with multiple species at different times of day. This wildlife photography pit stop reinforced an important lesson. Even ordinary places can be active microhabitats if you slow down and look closely.
Instead of rushing down the trail, I walked away with images of a beetle, a Prairie Lizard, and a dragonfly, all found on one utility pole. Moments like this are why I stay observant whenever I am in the field. You never know what might appear when you give a place time to reveal its story.
Equipment Used
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM
Technical Details
- Location: Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas
- Date and Time: May 24, 2023 at 9:23 a.m.
- Aperture: f/10
- Shutter Speed: 1/1250
- ISO: 500 (Auto ISO)
- Exposure Compensation: +0.3
- Focal Length: 500mm