Hey there, nature lovers! As a wildlife photographer, I’m constantly amazed by the wonders of our natural world. Today, I want to share an enchanting story about the American Lotus, which has taken over Reeve’s Slough in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma. I’m super excited to show you a gorgeous photo of the American Lotus in full bloom. But before we dive into today’s picture, let’s take a look at the blog post I shared yesterday. It featured a cute Green Tree Frog chilling on an American Lotus leaf in the same area.
Green Tree Frog on an American Lotus Leaf
The American Lotus and Reeve’s Slough:
Reeve’s Slough, a peaceful water area in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, has gone through an incredible change recently. It has become a special place for the American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea), an awesome plant that’s known for its stunning beauty and importance to the environment. The American Lotus is native to North America and loves living in shallow water like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
This remarkable plant grows quite tall, reaching up to six feet in height. Its round leaves, which look a lot like big lily pads, float gracefully on the surface of the water, creating a green blanket over Reeve’s Slough. These wide, circular leaves offer shade and shelter to many water creatures, making it a thriving habitat for a variety of aquatic life.
The Beautiful Blossom:
Today’s photo shows the exquisite beauty of an American Lotus flower in full bloom. Bathed in warm, golden sunlight, the flower’s pale yellow petals gracefully unfurl, showcasing a breathtaking natural work of art.
The American Lotus flower has a wonderful scent that fills the air, drawing in different kinds of insects, such as bees and butterflies, to taste its sweet nectar. These busy visitors accidentally help the lotus reproduce by carrying pollen from one flower to another, making sure this amazing species survives.
Yesterday’s Blog Post:
In yesterday’s blog post, I had an amazing experience capturing a photo of a Green Tree Frog sitting on a big American Lotus leaf in Reeve’s Slough. The frog’s bright emerald green skin looked incredible against the glossy green of the lotus leaf. It was a delightful encounter that showed how different species depend on each other in this thriving wetland.
Conclusion:
Reeve’s Slough in the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge has become a remarkable home for the American Lotus. Its breathtaking beauty and ecological importance make it a sight worth seeing. Today’s photo captures the essence of the American Lotus in all its splendor, while yesterday’s blog post featuring the Green Tree Frog highlights the interconnectedness of life within this amazing wetland.
As I continue exploring the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I’m reminded of the delicate balance between plants and animals that call this place home. It shows nature’s incredible strength and its ability to captivate us with its astonishing creations. I invite you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Reeve’s Slough and witness firsthand the captivating charm of the American Lotus.
Stay tuned for more incredible photos and stories from the natural world. Until next time, keep exploring and cherishing the wonders of our planet!
Steve Creek
Wildlife Photographer and Nature Enthusiast
Equipment Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: July 10, 2023 (09:09 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 800 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: 0
- Focal Length: 500 mm