January 24th began in the quiet, pre-dawn darkness as I made the familiar drive to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. It had been weeks since my last visit—a morning filled with snow geese, coyotes, and deer (you can read about that adventure here). Joining me was my good friend and fellow photographer, Mia, whose expertise in bird identification would prove invaluable. Oh, and let’s not forget Rosie, my dog, whose snores from the backseat provided the morning’s soundtrack.
Sunrise, Coffee, and the Elusive Snow Geese
We pulled into the Tuff boat ramp parking area just before sunrise, a ritual of mine. Breakfast was simple: coffee, a quick bite, and the symphony of waking wildlife. The horizon blazed with a deep red glow as the sun began its ascent—a fiery preamble to the day. The distant cries of snow geese echoed across the refuge, but despite our hopes, none descended into view. Instead, we waited, cameras ready, as the sky shifted from indigo to crimson, the red light spilling over the Arkansas River. By mid-morning, small groups of snow geese finally appeared—though they flew stubbornly high, heading northwest in loose, honking formations. Disappointing for photos, but a reminder that nature operates on its own schedule.
Raptor Paradise: Hawks, Eagles, and Harriers Galore
If there’s one trend I’ve noticed this winter at Sequoyah, it’s the explosion of raptors. Bakers Field, a stretch of standing corn, felt like a scene from a wildlife documentary. Bald Eagles patrolled the skies, while over a dozen Red-trailed Hawks perched like sentinels in distant trees. Northern harriers glided low, their owl-like faces scanning for prey. I managed to capture a red-tailed hawk in mid-hover, wings beating furiously as it locked onto something in the corn—a moment of raw, wild focus.
River Encounters: A Mixed Scaup Pair and a Graceful Pelican
The Arkansas River offered its own surprises. While standing near the Sandtown parking area, Mia pointed out a pair of ducks speeding overhead. “Scaup!” she said. I snapped a few frames. Later, as Mia scrolled through my shots, she paused. “Look here—the front bird’s a Lesser Scaup, and the one behind is a Greater Scaup! See the difference in their head shape and bill?” What I’d thought was a simple pair turned into a crash course in scaup identification, proving that even fleeting moments can hold hidden lessons when viewed through a photographer’s lens (thank goodness for knowledgeable friends!). Their crisp black-and-white plumage and rapid flight made for a thrilling first encounter. Not long after, an American White Pelican glided past, skimming the river’s surface—its enormous wingspan a striking contrast against the winter-gray water.
The Owl, the Geese, and the Light That Wasn’t
As we looped back toward the refuge entrance, Mia’s sharp eyes caught a silhouette in a cottonwood tree: a great horned owl. The lighting? Terrible. The branches? Thick. Did I take the photo anyway? Absolutely. Sometimes, documentation trumps perfection.
Our persistence paid off moments later when a small group of snow geese lingered near the road. Finally, a chance to photograph them at eye level! Their bright white feathers and curious stares made for a satisfying end to the day.
Reflections on a Winter Wildlife Adventure
Sequoyah never fails to surprise. From the crimson sunrise to the cacophony of raptors and the quiet thrill of a new species (hello, lesser scaup!), this trip was a reminder of why I brave early mornings and cold fingers. Mia’s laughter and Rosie’s snores added warmth to the frosty landscape, proving that camaraderie is just as important as the wildlife itself.
If you’re craving a winter escape, grab your binoculars, a thermos of coffee, and a friend who knows their birds. The refuge is waiting—and you never know what might soar into view.
Until next time, keep exploring,
Steve Creek
P.S. For more bird photography tips and stunning captures, check out Mia’s work at On the Wing Photography.