Early one morning at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I was lucky enough to witness and photograph a North American Beaver as it was bathing. The beaver, known for its semi-aquatic lifestyle, washed itself by scrubbing its body while sitting on the edge of the water.
Getting The Perfect Shot
As a frequent visitor to this refuge, I have become well-acquainted with the area and have taken several photos of this beaver in the past, including one of it feeding (North American Beaver Feeding). I always try to arrive before sunrise and wait for the light to become just right so I can get a clear shot of the beaver. I park my pickup near the Lower Scarborough Slough, an area just north of the 4-corners intersection and Miner’s Cove, and wait for the beaver to make an appearance.
My camera and lens are always ready, placed on a bean bag resting on the open window of my pickup. This way, I am able to take advantage of the early morning light and capture the beaver as it washes itself.
The Early Bird Gets The Worm
I have found that arriving early has proven to be the best time to get good photos of the beaver as it seems to be less cautious and more relaxed in the stillness of the morning. With my camera and lens at the ready, I was able to capture the stunning image of the North American Beaver as it bathed in the waters of the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
This experience has taught me the value of patience and the importance of being in the right place at the right time. I will continue to visit this refuge and capture more of the wildlife in its natural habitat, using my camera to preserve their beauty for all to see.
Technical :
• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date Taken: June 5, 2020
• Aperture: f5.0
• Shutter speed: 1/160 sec.
• ISO: 3200
• Exposure Bias: +1/3 EV
• Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
• Focal Length: 500 mm
• Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM
• Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II