In my last blog post, I wrote about encountering a Sculptured Pine Borer Beetle while hiking in Arkansas back in May. I photographed the intricate beetle in the afternoon, getting some great close-up shots of it on a utility pole using my Canon RF 100-500 mm lens. However, that same pole had already produced some photographic treasures earlier in the morning!
While hiking in the morning, I nearly missed spotting a slender brown Prairie Lizard blending into the pole. Once I noticed the movement, I swiftly made some adjustment to my camera and snapped some photos of the adept climber. The Canon RF lens allowed impressively close shots of the lizard’s gripping toe pads and alert eyes. I also captured images of its regrown stubby tail, which Prairie Lizards typically lose due to predation or defense.
After the lizard, a dragonfly of an unidentified species (I think this is a Gray Petaltail) had also landed on the pole. I got a photo of it also.
It’s always exciting when a single location offers photography opportunities for various species. As a nature photographer, I’ve learned to stay observant, because you never know what subjects might be discovered. I walked away with an array of close-up shots thanks to one utility pole that proved to be a rewarding source for wildlife photography at different times of day.
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical Details:
- Location: Ouachita National Forest (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: May 24, 2023 (09:23 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f10
- Shutter speed: 1/1250
- ISO: 500 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: +0.3
- Focal Length: 500 mm