Yesterday, I shared some delightful photos of two North American River Otter pups I photographed at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. Today, I’m excited to showcase this engaging photo of one of the pups curiously poking his head up through a thick mat of duckweed to check me out. His inquisitive expression made for a priceless moment as he explored his watery world.
Observing the Pup in the Duckweed
I came across this curious little otter while photographing at the wildlife refuge. The pup was navigating a slough completely covered in Lemna minor, commonly known as duckweed. This tiny aquatic plant can rapidly spread across still water bodies, creating a dense green layer that appears almost like a solid carpet. For a young River Otter, this blanket of greenery was an intriguing environment to explore.
As I watched, the pup repeatedly dove beneath the surface and then popped back up through openings in the duckweed. Each time, he would turn his head to look directly at me, as if trying to figure out who I was and what I was doing there. Instead of hunting for food or playing with his sibling, this little otter seemed much more interested in observing me! His curiosity and frequent peeking created some fantastic opportunities for photos.
The Joy of Observing River Otter Pups
There’s something especially captivating about observing young River Otters. Their natural curiosity and playful behavior make them a joy to watch. As this pup continued to bob up and down, his tiny nose twitched, and he raised his head higher to get a better view. It was clear he was as curious about me as I was about him. Moments like these remind me why I love photographing wildlife—it’s not just about the images but about experiencing these unique encounters with nature.
Technical Details of the Shot
To photograph this adorable otter pup, I used my Canon EOS R5 paired with a Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens. Here were the technical settings for the shot:
- Date and Time: August 18, 2022, at 10:18 A.M.
- Program Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Shutter Speed: 1/2500 sec
- ISO: 4000 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1/3 EV
- Focal Length: 500mm
I chose a fast shutter speed of 1/2500 sec to freeze the otter’s movements as it quickly dipped below the surface and emerged again. The aperture of f/8.0 helped achieve enough depth of field to keep the otter’s face and surrounding duckweed in focus. Given the relatively low light in the shaded slough, the ISO was set to 4000 to ensure proper exposure while maintaining a fast shutter speed.
The Unique Role of Duckweed in Aquatic Habitats
Duckweed may seem like a simple aquatic plant, but it plays a significant role in the ecosystems where it grows. By covering the water’s surface, it helps reduce evaporation and can provide cover for small aquatic creatures, including fish and insects. For River Otters, a thick mat of duckweed offers a place to hide and hunt for prey, as well as an exciting environment to explore. While this pup wasn’t hunting during my observation, duckweed still provided a unique backdrop for some adorable photographs.
Tips for Photographing Wildlife in Aquatic Environments
Capturing great wildlife images in aquatic settings requires some preparation and understanding of the animal’s behavior. Here are some tips for photographing wildlife like River Otters:
- Use a Telephoto Lens: A long lens, like the 100-500mm I used, allows you to photograph animals from a distance without disturbing them.
- Fast Shutter Speed: Otters are active and quick, so use a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 sec to freeze motion.
- Focus on the Eyes: Always try to keep the animal’s eyes in focus, as this will make the photo more engaging and lifelike.
- Be Patient and Observe Behavior: The more time you spend observing, the better you’ll understand the animal’s movements, helping you anticipate and capture unique moments.
- Consider Lighting Conditions: Early morning or late afternoon light can add warmth to your photos and reduce harsh shadows.
Reflecting on the Experience
Photographing this River Otter pup was a reminder of the joy that comes from observing wildlife in its natural habitat. The pup’s curiosity and playful behavior showcased the liveliness and intelligence of these creatures. Being able to witness his exploration and interaction with the duckweed provided a glimpse into the daily life of an otter, highlighting the playful nature of young pups as they learn and grow.
Stay tuned for more photos from my adventures at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, where nature’s wonders are always waiting to be discovered.