I’m thrilled to share some new photos I was able to capture during a recent trip to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. As a wildlife photographer, I’m always looking for opportunities to photograph beautiful animals in their natural habitats. During this visit, I was lucky enough to spot and photograph a magnificent whitetail buck.
Whitetail Buck on Alert In Dry Cove
Whitetail Buck in Dry Cove
The encounter occurred while I was driving along the auto tour road through an area known as Miner’s Cove. This cove, normally filled with water, was unusually dry. But that didn’t stop the wildlife from visiting. As I rounded a corner, a whitetail buck came into view, standing proudly in a small, open clearing surrounded by trees and bushes.
I recognized this regal buck. Just the day before, I had photographed him feeding on duckweed in the same cove (Whitetail Buck And Duckweed). From the distinct pattern of his antlers, I knew it was the same animal. He stood tall and alert, his head held high as he surveyed his surroundings.
I slowly brought my pickup to a stop and positioned my camera on a bean bag draped over the open window. I didn’t want to startle the buck, so I remained quiet and still. The buck continued scanning the area, turning to give me various poses. I was able to capture some great shots of him in the cove before he ventured back into the brush.
Photographing wildlife in their natural habitat is a thrilling experience. I feel fortunate to have captured images of this healthy, mature whitetail buck. His regal poses Against the lush green background made for some outstanding photos. I can’t wait to return to Sequoyah and see what other natural beauty awaits. For a wildlife photographer, there’s nothing better than being able to observe these majestic animals up close in the wild.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS 1D Mark III
- Lens: Canon EF 500 mm f/4L IS
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date & Time Taken: August 27, 2010 (07:03:39 A.M.)
- Aperture Priority
- Aperture: f4.0
- Shutter speed: 1/500 sec. (as determined by the camera)
- ISO: 2000
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Focal Length: 500 mm