Bonaparte’s Gull flying low over the river at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma

Bonaparte’s Gull in Flight at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge

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Some bird photos come down to one fast pass and a little luck. On the Sandtown Trail at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, a Bonaparte’s Gull flew low over the river and gave me a clean window for a frame.

Bonaparte’s Gull flying low over the river at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma
A Bonaparte’s Gull makes a low pass along the Sandtown Trail at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

Wildlife Notes

Bonaparte’s Gulls move like they are built for quick turns. They fly low, change direction fast, and they can appear and disappear over the water in seconds.

On this stretch of trail, the river corridor feels like a natural flight line. I often see birds working up and down the channel, especially when the light is good and the wind stays manageable.

What I noticed in the moment

This gull flew close enough to fill the frame, which is not something I get every day with this species. It also stayed low, which helped keep the background simple and kept the moment feeling intimate.

Quick ID notes

Bonaparte’s Gulls are a smaller gull with a crisp, agile flight style. Depending on season, the head pattern can change a lot, so I try to lean on the overall size, structure, and wing look instead of one single field mark.

Bonaparte’s Gull in flight near the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam in Oklahoma
A second Bonaparte’s Gull flight frame from Kerr Dam, where winter gull action can get fast and close.

Photography Notes

For the Sandtown Trail flight shot, I stayed ready for a bird to pop into range. When it happened, I focused on keeping the bird sharp and letting the framing happen naturally.

Gear and settings for Photo 1 (Sequoyah NWR)

  • Camera: Canon EOS R7
  • Lens: Canon RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM
  • Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
  • Date/Time: February 15, 2023 (10:23 A.M.)
  • Settings: f/7.1, 1/2000, ISO 320 (Auto), 500mm

That shutter speed helped freeze the wings. The bird also filled the frame, so I did not need a heavy crop.

A second Bonaparte’s Gull moment at Kerr Dam (Photo 2)

I also photograph these gulls at the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam near Sallisaw, Oklahoma. When gulls work the water there, the passes can be low and close, and the underwing patterns can really show.

  • Date/Time: 11/27/22 (11:26 AM)
  • Camera: Canon EOS R5
  • Lens: Canon RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM
  • Settings: ISO 1000, f/8, 1/3200, Exp. Comp. -0.3, 500mm, Manual

Closing

I like photos that feel like a small gift from a normal walk. This Bonaparte’s Gull flight pass was one of those moments. If you hike the Sandtown Trail, keep an eye on the river edge, and keep your camera ready.