I had an exciting wildlife encounter at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. As I was driving near Dockery Field, I spotted a young coyote partially hidden in the tall grass. It was intently watching some birds nearby, seemingly waiting for the right moment to pounce. I quickly pulled over and got my camera ready.
A Well Hidden Young Coyote
Resting my lens on a bean bag over the truck’s open window, I was able to get some great shots of this elusive canine without startling it. I watched for over 10 minutes as the coyote sat in the field, focused on the flock of birds. Unfortunately it didn’t end up catching anything before disappearing into the brush.
Getting to observe and photograph wildlife like this coyote in its natural habitat is such a thrill for me as a photographer. The refuge provides crucial protected areas where these animals can thrive. I feel privileged to get brief glimpses into the daily lives of shy creatures like this young coyote. Though it didn’t catch any prey while I was watching, seeing it exhibiting its natural stalking behaviors was still an unforgettable experience.
Moments like this remind me why I love photographing wildlife so much. There’s nothing quite like capturing these fleeting encounters with amazing animals in the wild. I can’t wait for my next adventure at the refuge! Let me know in the comments if you have any good wildlife stories from Sequoyah or other refuges.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Gear Used:
Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Lens: Canon EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM
Technical:
Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
Date & Time Taken: September 15, 2017 (06:39:58 A.M.)
Aperture Priority
Aperture: f5.6
Shutter speed: 1/1250 sec. (as determined by the camera)
ISO: 800
Focal Length: 400 mm
Related Post: