Photographing the Indigo Bunting at Sequoyah NWR

Every summer, I eagerly await the return of a vibrant visitor to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – the Indigo Bunting. These little blue beauties are a photographer’s dream, with their stunning plumage stealing the show. But capturing that perfect shot? That’s a whole other story!

These impish birds seem to have an uncanny knack for hanging out right where I can’t get them – in the middle of the road, taunting me from behind my truck bumper. As soon as I open the door, they vanish like a puff of smoke into the thick brush.

But patience, as they say, is a virtue. After a bit of waiting (and maybe a little muttering under my breath), I usually get lucky. A male will perch on a branch, his dazzling blue feathers catching the sunlight just right. Click! There’s my prize.

Now, for those unfamiliar with these feathered friends, here are some interesting Indigo Bunting facts to make your next wildlife encounter even more rewarding:

• Summertime Showstoppers: These little guys are Oklahoma’s summer residents, arriving in April and departing by October.
• Brushstroke Beauties: Keep an eye out for them in brushy areas, woodland edges, overgrown fields, and even power line corridors.
• A Tale of Two Tones: Unlike the vibrant male, the female Indigo Bunting is a master of disguise. Her drab brown feathers help her blend in perfectly while tending to the nest.
• Cardinal Cousins: The Indigo Bunting belongs to the cardinal family, with a close relative – the Painted Bunting – sharing some parts of eastern Oklahoma as its breeding ground.
• Navigating by Night: These impressive birds migrate at night, using the stars as their guide on their incredible journey between their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America and their summer homes here in Oklahoma.
• Singers and Sentinels: The male Indigo Bunting is a territorial fellow, defending his nesting grounds with a persistent, high-pitched song delivered from prominent perches.
• A Common Sight, A Songbird Delight: With the right habitat, you might just find yourself surrounded by the sweet melodies of these abundant songbirds across eastern and central Oklahoma throughout the summer.

So, the next time you’re visiting Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, keep an eye out for the dazzling blue flash of the Indigo Bunting. And remember, a little patience can go a long way in capturing a stunning image of this Oklahoma summer resident. Happy birding!