Nature has a way of creating some of the most captivating scenes and moments, and as a photographer, it’s a privilege to be able to capture those memories. One such moment happened recently when I came upon a Great Egret hunting for its next meal. The scene was breathtaking as the bird stood still, gazing into the water, waiting for the right moment to strike. And then, in a flash, it plunged its beak into the water and emerged with a small minnow in its beak.

I photographed this Great Egret in an area called Minor’s Cove, which is at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

Great Egrets are majestic birds with striking white plumage, long neck, and sharp beak. They are known for their fishing skills and are often seen hunting near bodies of water. This photo captures the moment when the bird successfully caught its prey and the minnow is seen up close, suspended in the beak of the Egret.

Nature photography is not just about capturing images, it’s about capturing the essence of the moment and the beauty of the subject. This photo of a Great Egret with a minnow close-up is a testament to that. It showcases the skill and patience of the bird and the delicate balance of the natural world.

In conclusion, I hope this photo inspires you [Read More…]

I photographed this Great Egret With Tadpole at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

I had my camera and lens resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.

Gear Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: RF100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM

Technical:

• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date and Time Taken: June 30, 2022 (07:33 A. M.)
• Exposure Mode: Manual
• Aperture: f8
• Shutter speed: 1/3200
• ISO: 800 (Auto)
• White Balance: Auto
• Metering Mode: Evaluative
• Back-button Focus
• Animal Eye Single Point Auto Focus
• Exposure Compensation: -1 EV
• Focal Length: 500 mm

I photographed this Great Egret Swallowing a Sunfish at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

How I Got The Photo:

This bird was in an area known as Lower Scarborough. Lower Scarborough is located next to Miner’s Cove on the west side of the auto tour road. You turn right when you get to the four corners intersection and Miner’s Cove is on the left. Go a short distance to another body of water and this is the Lower Scarborough.

I had my camera resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.

Gear Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: Canon EF 800 mm f/11

Technical:

• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date and Time Taken: July 22, 2021 (8:14 A.M.)
• Exposure Mode: Manual
• Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
• Shutter speed: 1/1250
• ISO: 2500 (Auto)
• White Balance: Auto
• Metering Mode: Evaluative
• Back-button Focus
• Continues Auto Focus
• Exposure Compensation: 0
• Focal Length: 800 mm
• Processed With Luminar

Related Posts:

1. With Shad
2. With Crayfish
3. With A Large Shad
4. [Read More…]

This Great Egret was catching Shad near the Great Blue Heron with the fishing lure stuck in its foot (Heron Eating Well With An Injury). This was at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

How I Got The Photo: Great Egret With Shad

I was sitting on a chair that I carry with me in my pickup when I know I will be sitting for a long time photographing something. I was sitting in an area near the bridge that is close to the entrance to the auto tour road. 

This Great Egret landed next to a Great Blue Heron I was photographing.

I had my bean bag on a guard rail supporting my camera and lens.

Gear Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5                            
• Lens:  Canon EF 800 mm f/11 

Technical:

This Great Egret with Crayfish was hunting in a ditch on the tour road (Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge), and it didn’t seem to care that I was parked across the road from it.  Several people drove by, and it continued to stay in the ditch near the road. These birds don’t do this very often, so I was lucky. I was able to spend several minutes photographing this Egret.

How I Got The Shot: Great Egret With Crayfish

This area has been getting lots of rain the past few weeks and the roadside ditches have standing water in them. Numerous frogs and crayfish are in these ditches which are drawing in the wildlife to feed on them. 

I had my camera and lens resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup.

Gear Used:

• Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
• Lens:  Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS

Technical:

• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date and Time Taken: April 25, 2018 (09:46 A. M.)
• Aperture: f7.1
• Shutter speed: 1/2500
• ISO: 640
• White Balance: Auto
• Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
• Metering Mode: Evaluative
• Back-button Focus
• Single Point Auto Focus
• Exposure Compensation: 0
• Focal [Read More…]