On March 28, 2023, I took my first-ever photo of a Muskrat while exploring the great outdoors (First-time Photographing A Muskrat). And just a few days ago, I had another chance to photograph one in the same place. I was sitting in my pickup truck at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, trying to capture a Mink that was scurrying along a log in Miner’s Cove.
I had two cameras with me that day: the Canon R7 and the Canon RF 800mm F11 lens. I wanted to get a photo of the Mink, but it was quite far away, so I used the powerful Canon RF 800mm F11 lens. As I patiently waited for the Mink to come closer, a surprise happened. A Mink suddenly appeared just a few feet in front of me and looked right at me! It was too close for the Canon RF 800mm F11 lens to capture a photo because it can’t focus on anything closer than 30 feet.
In my excitement, I reached for my other camera, the Canon R5, and the Canon RF 100-500mm lens, which is better for close-up shots. But before I could switch, the Mink quickly turned around and left the area. I hoped it would come back, but instead, a pair of Muskrats showed up nearby. I took the opportunity to photograph one of the Muskrats up close. Though I was a bit disappointed about missing the Mink photo, it was still amazing to get a close-up shot of a Muskrat.
Muskrats are fascinating creatures that thrive in wetland habitats across North America. They have waterproof fur and special adaptations that allow them to swim effortlessly. With their webbed hind feet and strong tails, they can gracefully move through the water. Muskrats are also known for their impressive ability to dig burrows along the banks of rivers, lakes, and marshes. These burrows provide safe homes for them and their families. Muskrats are most active during the twilight hours, adding to their allure.
This wildlife photography experience reminded me that nature is full of surprises. Even though I didn’t capture the Mink photo I had hoped for, the unexpected encounter with the Muskrats allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. It’s moments like these that make wildlife photography so exciting and unpredictable.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: May 22, 2023 (08:00 A. M.)
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 3200 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: +0.3
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Fascinating