I was photographing a Red-winged Blackbird near the auto tour road when a different kind of movement caught my eye. A Sora was working the wet edge of the vegetation.
It stayed visible just long enough for me to make a few frames. That was a nice break with a bird that usually keeps out of sight.
Sora Photography at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge
This Sora appeared during a visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It moved slowly through the wet ground, picking its way through the plants.
From what I could see, it appeared to be foraging for snails. I had to watch the openings in the cover and time my shots when the bird stepped into view.
The yellow bill, face pattern, and white undertail coverts stood out well in the brief open moments. Those details helped make the encounter memorable.
Working From the Pickup Window With a Long Lens
I photographed this Sora from my pickup. I had a bean bag draped over the open window to steady the lens.
That support helped, but the bird was close to the vehicle. With a long lens and extender, framing was still a challenge.
The vegetation also made the shot tricky. I had to work through stems and openings while the Sora kept moving.
Camera details:
- Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
- Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS USM
- Date: April 30, 2020
- Extender: Canon 1.4x III
- Mode: AV
- Aperture: f/8.0
- ISO: 640
- Shutter speed: 1/1000 sec.
- Exposure compensation: +1 EV
- Focal length: 700 mm
- Support: Bean bag over the open pickup window
Why This Skittish Sora Stood Out to Me
Some wildlife encounters happen because of planning. Others happen because I am already watching closely.
This one was the second kind. I was not looking for a Sora when it appeared, but I was ready when it moved into view.
That is one reason I enjoy photographing wildlife at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. A quiet moment along the auto tour road can change fast.
I also had luck photographing another difficult bird at this refuge, an Orchard Oriole at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.