In December, I head to the Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam in Oklahoma to photograph the winter birds that gather along the Arkansas River. On this particular morning, I focused on gulls diving for shad. Their fast, chaotic movements make every pass unpredictable. During one dive, two gulls locked onto the same fish. One gull reached it first, while the other pulled away empty-beaked. That brief moment became the image I was hoping for.
Two Gulls Competing for a Single Shad
Gulls often gather in large numbers at Kerr Dam during winter because the moving water concentrates fish near the surface. When shad are pushed up, competition increases quickly. As a result, dives become faster and more aggressive. In this case, two gulls committed to the same target. Timing mattered. One bird won by a fraction of a second, while the other had no choice but to break off.
Moments like this show how competitive feeding behavior shapes gull interactions. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Ring-billed Gull species account, gulls often feed opportunistically in groups, which increases competition when fish are concentrated near the surface.
I have photographed similar moments at this location before, including a Ring-billed Gull Grabs Fish in Front of Pelican during the same winter feeding conditions.
Positioning and Setup at Kerr Dam
To photograph this sequence, I set up close to the water’s edge. A low shooting angle helped match the birds’ flight path as they skimmed the surface. Instead of chasing action, I stayed still and watched patterns develop. Over time, the gulls repeated similar approaches. That consistency made it easier to predict where the next dive would happen.
Remaining patient allowed me to keep the birds framed while waiting for the right interaction to unfold.
Camera and Lens Choice for Fast Gull Action
I used a Canon EOS-1D Mark III paired with a Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM lens. That combination gave me enough reach to isolate the birds while still reacting quickly to sudden dives. The lens also allowed fast autofocus tracking, which is critical when birds change direction mid-flight.
Camera Settings Used for This Image
I shot in Aperture Priority mode with the following settings:
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Shutter Speed: 1/4000 second
- ISO: 500
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Focal Length: 500mm
The fast shutter speed froze both gulls during the dive. I kept the aperture slightly open to balance depth of field with light. ISO 500 provided a clean exposure without introducing visible noise.
Observing Gull Behavior to Improve Timing
Gulls reward patience. They circle, hesitate, and reposition before committing to a dive. By watching these patterns, I could anticipate the exact moment when two birds converged on the same fish. Capturing that split second required staying focused and ready long before the action happened.
Why Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam Works in Winter
Robert S. Kerr Lock and Dam consistently attracts birds during colder months. The steady flow of water exposes fish and creates reliable feeding opportunities. Calm mornings often produce the best results, especially when light reflects cleanly off the water.
If you plan to photograph birds here, bring your longest lens, use a stable support, and allow time to observe behavior before shooting. Winter mornings at this location often reward patience with moments you cannot predict but can prepare for.