While driving the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I spotted a White-tailed Doe approaching a group of Canada Geese in an open field. What happened next was one of the more unusual wildlife encounters I’ve photographed.
White-tailed Doe Canada Geese Encounter in an Open Field
I spotted a White-tailed Doe approaching several Canada Geese feeding in an open field beside the auto tour road. Since they were on the passenger side of my truck, I couldn’t photograph through the cab because weeds along the roadside blocked my view.
I parked, grabbed my camera, and stepped out.
As the doe closed the distance, she began prancing around near the geese. To me, it almost looked like she wanted to play. The geese simply watched her. They didn’t spread their wings, hiss, or chase her away.
After a short time, the doe lost interest, turned, and walked away from the geese, leaving the field as quietly as she had entered.
Why the Doe’s Behavior Caught My Attention
I’ve watched plenty of encounters between different wildlife species, but this one stood out.
White-tailed Deer and Canada Geese often feed in the same fields, so seeing them together isn’t unusual. What surprised me was how close the doe willingly approached the geese and how relaxed both species appeared during the encounter.
I can’t say why the doe behaved this way. It may simply have been a brief moment of curiosity. Whatever the reason, it wasn’t something I had witnessed before, and it made for a memorable morning at the refuge.
Photographing an Unexpected Wildlife Moment
One thing I wish I had captured was video.
I was photographing hand-held with my Canon RF 200-800mm lens at 800mm. At that focal length, keeping the camera steady enough for usable video wasn’t realistic, so I stayed with still photographs instead.
Sometimes you have to choose between trying for video or making sure you come home with sharp images. This time, I chose the photographs.
Camera Settings
- Camera: Canon EOS R5 Mark II
- Lens: Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM
- Focal Length: 800 mm
- Aperture: f/10
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000 second
- ISO: 1000
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Support: Hand-held
- Date: July 8, 2026, at 7:53 A.M.