Late-Season Barn Swallow

Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge: October Wildlife Encounters

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It’s been a while since I last visited the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, so on October 27th, I made the drive with the hope of photographing some wildlife. Despite the challenges brought on by recent drought and unseasonably warm temperatures, the refuge did not disappoint.

Sunrise on the Auto Tour Road: First Sighting of the Day

At sunrise, I began my drive down the auto tour road. About half a mile in, I spotted a coyote lying in the dirt of a plowed, open field. The distance was considerable, but I was still able to capture an image that highlighted the coyote in its environment, framed by the vast openness of the plowed field. Observing the scene, I noticed movement at the far south end of the field—eight Greater White-fronted Geese. I can’t recall ever seeing this species at the refuge before, so it was a treat to photograph them. A big thanks to my friend and fellow photographer, Mia, for the ID on these geese.

Coyote Resting in the Morning Sun
A lone coyote basks in the early morning light on a plowed field at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.
Greater White-fronted Geese at Sequoyah Refuge
Greater White-fronted Geese forage at the far end of a plowed field. A rare sight at the refuge, these migratory geese added a unique moment to the morning.

White-tailed Deer in Overgrown Fields

Continuing along the road, I reached the far southwest corner of the refuge, where I spotted a few White-tailed Does grazing in an overgrown field. The high grasses made it tricky to capture a clear shot, but I managed to get a few images of one doe, her head peeking out above the weeds. I stayed parked in this area for a while, hoping a White-tailed Buck might make an appearance. Given that the bucks should be entering the prerut stage, I expected to see some activity, but no such luck. With the vegetation so dense, it’s possible a buck was nearby but hidden from view. These were the only deer I saw on this visit, likely due to the extreme heat and ongoing drought.

White-tailed Doe in Tall Grasses
A White-tailed Doe peeks above the overgrown field, blending into her surroundings. The dense vegetation adds an element of mystery, hiding any nearby deer.

A Great Blue Heron and Fading Fall Colors

As I reached Sally Jones Lake, I spotted a Great Blue Heron wading along the edge of the reeds, a classic sight at the refuge. The heron’s patient stance as it scanned the water’s edge made for a serene scene to photograph. I also took a few landscape shots of the lake, hoping to capture some fall colors. However, with the harsh weather conditions, fall foliage has been less vibrant this year. Many leaves have bypassed the usual autumn hues, turning brown and falling prematurely. There are storms predicted for next Wednesday, which may bring down the remaining leaves, so it seems this year’s autumn colors will be short-lived in this area.

Great Blue Heron on the Edge of Sally Jones Lake
A Great Blue Heron wades quietly along the reeds at Sally Jones Lake, offering a peaceful moment amid the refuge’s fading fall colors.
Muted Fall Colors at Sally Jones Lake
The fall landscape at Sally Jones Lake reveals subdued colors due to the ongoing drought.

A Surprise Encounter: Late-Season Barn Swallow

On my way out of the refuge, a small surprise awaited me—a Barn Swallow perched on a sign by the roadside. Barn Swallows typically migrate south by this time of year, so it was unexpected to see one lingering here in late October. I took the opportunity to get a close-up shot, capturing the fine details of its plumage against the weathered surface of the sign. Encounters like this serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of wildlife photography and the unique moments it can provide.

Late-Season Barn Swallow
A Barn Swallow perches on a sign along the auto tour road, an unusual sight for late October.

Reflecting on the Trip

Even though the extreme drought and recent heat impacted the refuge’s landscape and limited some wildlife sightings, this trip was a rewarding experience. Each animal sighting and photo opportunity offered its own story, from the distant coyote to the unexpected Barn Swallow. With rain on the horizon, I’m optimistic that conditions at the refuge will improve soon, and I look forward to returning under hopefully greener, cooler conditions.

Camera Gear and Settings:

  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm
  • Coyote: ISO 8000, f/9, 1/200 sec
  • White-tailed Doe: ISO 800, f/9, 1/200 sec
  • Great Blue Heron: ISO 2000, f/9, 1/1000 sec
  • Barn Swallow: ISO 1250, f/9, 1/1000 sec

The high ISO settings were necessary due to the early light and overcast conditions, but they allowed me to capture clear, sharp images despite the limitations. Here’s hoping that with the forecasted rain, the refuge will come back to life, and I’ll get to document the changes in my next trip.

2 thoughts on “Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge: October Wildlife Encounters”

  1. Nice pictures of your wildlife. Getting rain and snow on the BigHorn Mountains today. Have over 98 thousand acres have burned this past month. I am not sure where the wildlife will go this winter. I know the Elk have come into the rancher fields that have also burned. It will be a hard winter for wildlife this year in my area.

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