I’ve had a wonderful summer photographing birds at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. As an avid wildlife photographer, I find that national refuges provide amazing access and opportunities to observe incredible species up close. Sequoyah has definitely delivered this summer with a diverse array of birds.
One of my favorite avian subjects has been the brilliantly colored Indigo Bunting. Today I want to share a photo I took back in June of a singing male Indigo Bunting. His vivid blue plumage against the bright blue sky is a real stunner.
I came across this little guy near the auto tour road deep within the refuge, so I was able to photograph him from inside my pickup truck. He had perched on a small sapling and was singing boldly, despite my presence. I was able to capture him mid-song, with his bright blue feathers on full display. Seeing him so close as he sang was magnificent.
The Indigo Bunting is a small seed-eating bird in the cardinal family. The males take on their trademark brilliant blue hue in the summer breeding months. They use their vibrant color to defend their breeding territories and attract potential mates. Watching the males sing and boldly flaunt their bright feathers has been a major highlight of my refuge visits this summer.
Getting the chance to photograph natural behaviors like the courtship rituals of the Indigo Bunting is why I love wildlife photography. Being able to document fleeting moments like the singing Indigo Bunting allows me to share the wonders of these species with others who may not get to observe them in person. National wildlife refuges like Sequoyah play a vital role in conservation and provide crucial habitats for species like the Indigo Bunting.
I feel extremely fortunate to have access to an amazing refuge like Sequoyah where I can get up close to photograph colorful birds like the Indigo Bunting. The diversity of avian life here makes every trip exciting. I always leave with new photos and experiences to share of these incredible feathered creatures. Let me know if you have any questions about photographing birds at Sequoyah or want tips for capturing your own stunning bird photos!
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 800 mm F11
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: June 17, 2023 (09:43 A. M.)
- Aperture: f11
- Shutter speed: 1/1000
- ISO: 1250 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: +1.3
- Focal Length: 800 mm