While driving through the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I came across a beautiful sight – a whitetail doe grooming her tail. As a wildlife photographer, I live for moments like these that allow me to capture stunning scenes of nature.
This doe was off to the side of the road in an area known as Goss Field, located along the auto tour route past the Sally Jones Causeway. I was struck by how far back the doe could reach her head to tend to her tail. Deer are amazingly flexible creatures!
I quickly grabbed my camera gear and set up my shot. With my camera and long lens resting on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup truck, I was able to get quite close without disturbing her.
The morning light was hitting her sandy brown coat just right, illuminating the soft textures of her fur. She continued grooming, fully focused on the task at hand, allowing me time to adjust my settings and snap some shots.
Moments like these reconnect me with the natural world and remind me of the beauty that exists all around us, if we just take the time to notice. I feel honored to be able to capture fleeting glimpses into the intimate lives of wild creatures through my photography. Stay tuned for more images from my adventures in the great outdoors!
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer