As a wildlife photographer, I’m always looking for those special, intimate moments in nature. One such moment I was fortunate to capture recently was a whitetail doe nursing her fawn at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Doe Nursing Her Fawn
I came across the doe and fawn in a field on the east side of the road leading to the Reeve’s Boat Ramp. They were peacefully grazing in the morning light, unaware of my presence. When the fawn snuggled up to its mother to nurse, I quickly readied my camera gear.
Resting my camera and long lens on a bean bag draped over the open window of my pickup truck, I was able to get the perfect vantage point from the auto tour road. The doe continued nursing her fawn for several minutes, allowing me to get many excellent shots.
There’s something about witnessing the gentleness and care between a doe and her fawn that tugs at your heart. As a photographer, I feel honored to document these touching wild moments. While nursing may be an everyday routine for the deer, it’s a truly magical scene to behold.
I’m thrilled to have captured the beauty and tenderness of this whitetail doe bonding with her fawn. Scenes like this are a reminder of the wonders of the natural world around us. I feel privileged to get a brief glimpse into the intimate family life of these graceful wild creatures.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon EF 800 mm f/11
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: August 13, 2021 (6:38 A.M.)
- Program Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/400
- ISO: 25600 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: 0
- Focal Length: 800 mm