As I navigated the winding back roads of Oklahoma’s Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, I was treated to a remarkable scene. Two elegant whitetail does were leisurely grazing by the roadside, completely at peace in their natural habitat. I quickly pulled over, eager to photograph these beautiful creatures.
Just as I steadied my camera, ready to capture the graceful does, something caught one doe’s attention. Her ears perked up and her gaze fixed intensely across the road. I followed her stare, curious what had interrupted her afternoon feast.
To my surprise, a lone rabbit sat watching the does intently. Unafraid, the little creature balanced on its hind legs, meeting the doe’s gaze. The does dwarfed the petite rabbit, yet it showed no signs of intimidation.
I smiled at this surprising interaction, struck by the harmony between two species simply sharing space. The doe relaxed, seeming to recognize that the rabbit posed no threat. They edged closer, coming within feet of each other, to continue grazing and observing.
Scenes like this are the true magic of nature photography. It’s not just about capturing striking images, but witnessing the natural world’s spontaneous connections. Though brief, the doe, and rabbit’s interaction was a touching reminder that life in the wild is intricately intertwined.
As I photographed the whitetails grazing peacefully once more, the little rabbit disappeared into the grasses. I sat for a while, reflecting on the moving encounter I’d witnessed. It reinforced my awe for the Sequoyah Refuge, where captivating moments of shared wonder await around each bend. The animals may only intersect briefly, but their surprising coexistence speaks to the harmony of nature.
Steve Creek, Wildlife Photographer
Image Information (First Photo):
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
- Date and Time Taken: October 1, 2023 (07:53 A.M.)
- Program Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec
- ISO: 5000 (Auto)
- Exposure Comp: 0
- Focal Length: 500mm