At the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had the chance to photograph an Opossum digging through a pile of fertilizer in an old cornfield. The fertilizer likely contained chicken litter, as I could see white feathers mixed in. The date was February 12, 2014.
Despite my presence, the Opossum didn’t seem too bothered and continued digging in the pile. It did take a moment to watch me before resuming its task.
As a wildlife photographer, I had been keeping an eye out for animals digging in the fertilizer pile, which is usually dumped in February or March. This had previously led to several shots of Coyotes.
To capture this shot, I had my Canon EOS 7D camera with a Canon EF500mm f/4L IS USM lens attached, resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup. This setup allowed me to keep my camera steady while I captured this incredible moment.
Opossums are unique creatures that are native to North and South America. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with a pointed snout, gray fur, and a hairless prehensile tail. They are also skilled climbers and are often found in trees, as well as on the ground.
Overall, it was a privilege to capture this image of the Opossum digging through the pile of fertilizer. It’s moments like this that remind me of the beauty and diversity of wildlife, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with others.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture: f8.0
- ISO: 320
- Shutter speed: 1/1250 sec.
- Â Exposure Bias: -2/3 EV
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Here is another one of my photos of an Opossum: Opossum Before The Flood