As a wildlife photographer, I’m always on the lookout for interesting subjects to photograph. This summer, I’ve noticed a scarcity of one of my favorite snakes to capture on camera – the Water Moccasin.
Water Moccasin Crossing Gravel Road
Earlier this week, I was able to photograph this lone Water Moccasin crossing a gravel road at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma (Sally Jones Causeway). I sat right down in the middle of the road to get eye level with the snake and capture its slithering movement. Despite keeping a watchful eye, Water Moccasin sightings have been few and far between for me this season.
It’s strange to not see the numbers of Water Moccasins I normally encounter during the summer months. I’m not sure if drier weather conditions are possibly affecting their behavior and visibility. Whatever the reason, I’ll continue monitoring the habitats and areas I frequent to document any Water Moccasin activity. Though they can be dangerous if threatened, I find their distinctive patterns and behaviors fascinating to observe and photograph. I hope the rest of the summer provides me more opportunities to capture these unique snakes on camera!
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Gear Used:
Camera: Fujifilm X-T3
Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II (attached with a Fringer EF-FX Pro)
Technical:
Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
Date and Time Taken: August 21, 2021 (9:57 A.M.)
Program Mode: Aperture Priority
Aperture: f8
Shutter speed: 1/210
ISO: 1250
Exposure Compensation: 0
Focal Length: 400 mm
