Wildlife photography is a passion of mine, and I’ve been fortunate enough to capture some amazing moments in nature. One of my most memorable encounters was with these two Rio Grande Turkeys at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It was March 15th, 2020, and I was camping at the Doris Campground. Every morning and evening, a group of Rio Grande Turkey hens and these two Toms would come through, and I couldn’t help but be drawn to them.
As a wildlife photographer, I knew I had to be patient and blend in with my surroundings if I wanted to capture the perfect shot. So, I got behind a tree and held my breath as I prepared to take the shot. I was hand-holding my Fujifilm X-T3 camera with a Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens attached and a Fringer EF-FX Pro, bracing my camera and lens against the tree.
The two Toms were strutting and displaying, and I was mesmerized by their show of dominance. I was in awe of their intricate feather patterns, the iridescent colors, and their sheer size. I snapped away, capturing their displays, each shot more stunning than the last.
As I look back at those photos, I’m reminded of how incredible nature is. The power and beauty of these two Toms is truly unforgettable, and I feel so grateful to have been able to capture it through my lens. Wildlife photography is my passion, and moments like these make all the hours spent waiting for the perfect shot worth it.
Camera Settings
- AV Mode
- Aperture f5.6
- ISO 1600
- Shutter speed – 1/800 sec.
- Focal Length – 263 mm
A Landscape photo I took at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge this week: Charon’s Garden Wilderness