As the sun began to rise at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I set out on the auto tour road to start my photography session. As I approached the 4-corners area, I was thrilled to spot a Barred Owl perched in a nearby tree. Quickly parking my vehicle, I stepped out with my camera and positioned myself behind the cab of my pickup, using it as a brace and cover.
With my camera at the ready, I started photographing the owl and was able to capture some stunning shots of this magnificent bird. Suddenly, the Barred Owl spotted something in a pool of water below and swooped down to investigate. Unfortunately, the dense brush obscured my view, and I was unable to capture this moment on camera.
I waited patiently, hoping the owl would return to its perch with its catch. However, it flew off to another tree in the distance, and I lost sight of it. I couldn’t determine whether it had been successful in its hunt or not.
The Barred Owl is a striking and elusive bird species, known for its haunting calls and nocturnal hunting habits. These birds are excellent hunters and are capable of catching a wide variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and even fish. Their distinctive facial feathers and dark eyes give them a unique and mysterious appearance.
In conclusion, while driving the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I was fortunate enough to spot a Barred Owl and capture some stunning photographs of this incredible bird. Although I missed the chance to witness its hunt, the experience of photographing this fascinating species in the wild was an unforgettable one.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
I was photographing the Barred Owl from outside my pickup.
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: March 14, 2023 (07:45 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f7.1
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 4000 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +2
- Focal Length: 500 mm