I photographed these three American White Pelicans on the north side of the Sally Jones Causeway at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It was February 5, 2021, a clear morning, and this large group of pelicans was actively swimming back and forth, scooping up fish from the calm water. This trio caught my attention as they floated in unison, their bright orange bills glowing against the deep blue water.
Pelicans are fascinating birds to observe. They are social creatures, often moving and feeding together. Watching them work as a team to herd fish is not only impressive but also rewarding to photograph.
Photography Setup and Gear
To capture this shot, I used my Fujifilm X-T3 camera with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II lens. The Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter made the combination possible. I steadied my camera on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup truck. This setup works well for shooting from the road.
The location offered an excellent vantage point. Parking along the causeway allowed me to stay in the vehicle, reducing disturbances to the pelicans. This method often helps when photographing wildlife, as staying concealed leads to more natural behavior from the subjects.
Technical Details
Here are the technical details for the shot:
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/2900
- ISO: 2000
- Focal Length: 400 mm
- Exposure Compensation: 0
The pelicans’ synchronized movement and reflection on the water enhanced the composition. A fast shutter speed of 1/2900 froze the moment and preserved sharp feather details. The higher ISO of 2000 balanced the exposure, and post-processing reduced noise.
Reflections on Wildlife and Conservation
The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Watching these pelicans feed together was a privilege. They often form circles to herd fish before diving in with their large bills. Their teamwork is a fascinating behavior to witness.
Conservation areas like Sequoyah play a critical role in preserving species like the American White Pelican. These habitats not only support birds but also provide photographers with opportunities to capture wildlife in its natural state. Every visit to such a place reminds me of the importance of protecting these environments for future generations.
This shot highlights the beauty of these birds and the value of their habitat.
American White Pelican Facts: A link to the All About Birds page by Cornell Lab of Ornithology.