Three-toed Box Turtle walking on a gravel-covered path with a dirt-covered shell at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

Three-Toed Box Turtle on Rocks

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While exploring the scenic route of Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I came across a fascinating sight, a Three-toed Box Turtle maneuvering over a recently added rock bed on the tour road. These rocks, now a common feature, didn’t stop this turtle from continuing its journey, albeit slowly.

Three-toed Box Turtle walking on a gravel-covered path with a dirt-covered shell at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
A Three-toed Box Turtle carefully makes its way across a gravel path at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, showcasing resilience and adaptability in its natural habitat.

Camouflage and Careful Observation

As I drove between Sandtown parking and the Reeves Boat Ramp, the turtle’s shell blended so well with the surroundings that I nearly missed it. This served as a critical reminder: slow down, observe carefully, and always remain mindful of small animals sharing our roads.

Setting Up the Shot with Precision

After spotting the turtle, I pulled over and gently set up a beanbag on the ground for a steady camera position. My gear of choice was the Fujifilm X-T3 camera paired with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens and a Fringer EF-FX Pro adapter. This setup enabled me to capture a sharp, detailed image without disturbing the turtle too much.

Capturing a Glimpse of Personality

What makes this shot particularly memorable is the sense of eye contact from the turtle. Though its back legs were tucked in, a result of me adjusting for the right angle, it didn’t fully retreat into its shell. It’s likely my subtle movements were enough to make it cautious but not alarmed. While I didn’t get the perfect angle as it resumed walking, I’m still very satisfied with the result.

Detailed Camera Settings for Wildlife Photography

For those interested in the technical side of the shot, here were my settings:

  • Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority (AV Mode)
  • Aperture: f/7.1
  • ISO: 800
  • Shutter Speed: 1/210 sec
  • Exposure Compensation: -0.3
  • Focal Length: 400 mm

Appreciate the Small Wonders

While many nature photographers chase deer or larger animals, I always find small species like turtles equally fascinating. They bring their own charm and often require more patience and awareness to photograph effectively. Each encounter offers a unique story and perspective worth capturing.

Final Thoughts

Wildlife photography isn’t just about dramatic landscapes or iconic animals. Sometimes, the most memorable shots come from slowing down and observing the smaller, quieter moments in nature. This Three-toed Box Turtle reminded me of that simple truth.

1 thought on “Three-Toed Box Turtle on Rocks”

  1. You are right! These little critters are interesting. I have never seen one of these before. Awesome capture!

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