As a wildlife photographer, I always feel fortunate when I get to capture the beauty of nature through my lens. Recently, I had an incredible experience while photographing near the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, where I encountered a majestic Tom Turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
As I set up my camera to photograph some deer on my property near the forest, I noticed a large bird following closely behind them. To my amazement, it was a wild Tom Turkey. I quickly adjusted my camera settings and snapped a series of shots as the turkey trailed the deer through the forest.
The Ouachita National Forest is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including wild turkeys, which can be found throughout the area. These magnificent birds are known for their stunning appearance and are often sought after by wildlife photographers and hunters alike.
While Tom Turkeys are commonly associated with Thanksgiving, they are a year-round sight in the Ouachita National Forest. These birds are known for their distinctive features, including their striking tail feathers, bright red wattles, and iridescent feathers that shimmer in the light. They are a true icon of the forest and a sight to behold for anyone lucky enough to encounter them.
As a wildlife photographer, I am always inspired by the beauty of nature and the incredible diversity of wildlife that can be found in our world. The Ouachita National Forest is a prime example of the natural wonders that exist around us, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to capture the beauty of this area through my photography.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM (attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro)
Technical:
- Location: Oden (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: November 26, 2020 (08:43 A. M.)
- Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f5.6
- Shutter speed: 1/125 and 1/150 sec. (as determined by the camera)
- ISO: 2500
- Focal Length: 400 mm
Here is another photo of a Hen Turkey I photographed near this same area: Wild Turkey Taking Dirt Bath