As a wildlife photographer, I often visit the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma to take pictures of animals. Sometimes, though, I don’t see many animals to photograph. But there’s this special log I always go to near the Auto tour road. It’s like a secret meeting place for skinks. When the sun is up for a little while, I usually find several skinks chilling on the log, probably enjoying the sunshine.
Once, I spotted a big skink hanging out of a hole in a dead tree trunk near the road. The first thing I noticed when I started taking pictures was that the skink was covered in wet sawdust. I managed to take lots of photos before it went back into the hole.
Skinks like to live in different places, like forests, grasslands, and even cities. But they really like rocky areas, tree stumps, and fallen logs. These cool and damp spots provide a safe home for skinks. They hide in the rocks to escape from predators and bad weather. The rocks also help them stay cool in hot weather.
Skinks also love decaying logs. They find lots of bugs and tiny creatures to eat there. The hollow parts of dead trees give skinks protection, warmth, and food. It’s like their cozy little house.
Being a wildlife photographer allows me to see amazing creatures in their natural habitats. I capture their beauty in photos and share their stories with others. Through my pictures, I hope to make people appreciate nature’s wonders and inspire them to protect these animals for the future.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: April 30, 2023 (08:19 A. M.)
- Aperture: f10
- Shutter speed: 1/1600
- ISO: 1000 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: 0
- Focal Length: 500 mm