The Bare Necessities

Canon T2i, Canon L 28-105 mm, f/11, 1/320 sec.

Meandering

Canon T2i, f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO 200

As I sat by the side of a flooded field photographing waterfowl, I happened to notice this Opossum. It took no notice of me and casually meandered on its merry little way. While it may look cute and friendly, don’t let the appearance fool you. Opossums can be very nasty tempered and mean.

Wilson’s Snipe

Canon T2i, f/8, 1/250 sec, ISO 400/caption]
The Wilson’s Snipe is the only variety found locally. They are often hard to see, much less photograph. A Snipe often hunkers down into the grass and is well camouflaged from predators. They remain perfectly still until they feel threatened and then take off all at once. I almost stepped on one before they whole flock took off and scared me half to death! This one remained, as it was too busy preening its feathers and finding food, to really care about having its picture taken.

The Epitome of Majestic

Canon 6D, f/8, 1/640 sec, ISO 400

One more picture of the Bald Eagle perched so regal and majestic. I was amazed at how tolerant it was of me and my camera. I am glad they chose the Bald Eagle as the national bird and not the Turkey or the Turkey Vulture!

Majesty in Flight

Canon 6D, f/8, 1/1000 sec, ISO 200

A pleasure and privilege to behold this regal and majestic bird in flight.

Pepe Le Peu!

Skunk- Canon 6D, f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO 200

Yes, I am laying on my stomach about 10 feet in front of this skunk! Thankfully, it didn’t seem to mind and I didn’t get sprayed. It was much more concerned about finding something yummy to eat.

Savannah Sparrow

Canon 6D, f/8, 1/250 sec, ISO 1000 @ 439 mm.

I captured this little beauty perched atop a dried corn stalk on my most recent visit to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma. There were several other birds flitting about amongst the stalks of corn, unfortunately they stayed buried too deep to take any pictures.

Turkey Vulture

Arguably, one of the ugliest looking bird species and not the most appetizing meal… opossum carcass. Not often that I get to see such feeding behavior this close-up.

Finally!!!!

Canon 6D, f/8, 1/500 sec, ISO 200 @ 439 mm.

Finally! What an incredible day my husband and I had today at Sequoyah NWR. We saw so many bird species that we don’t usually see. The most exciting sighting of the day, hands-down, was the Bald Eagle! This is a life bird for me, so it makes it that much more thrilling that I was able to photograph it, too! I’m always elated to get a new life bird checked off my list. The “icing on the cake” is to capture the moment in a photograph. I love going through my images…remembering the “thrill of the chase” and the fulfillment of checking it off my list.

Northern Shoveler (female)

Canon 6D, f/8, 1/1000 sec, ISO 200

Eastern Phoebe

Canon T2i, f/8, 1/800 sec, ISO 400

Cleared for Landing

Mallard Duck (male and female)- Canon T2i, f/8, 1/1250 sec, ISO 400

Bird-in-Flight

Northern Shoveler (male)- Canon T2i, f/8, 1/2000 sec, ISO 400

After spending the day practicing the art of capturing a bird-in-flight, I have a whole new appreciation for those who have mastered the art! To say it is challenging is an understatement.

White-throated Sparrow

Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma

Great Egret

Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma

Sunset over the Arkansas River

Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma

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Last Rays of the Day

Sunset at Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma

Fall Foliage and Fields of Grain

Sunset at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma

Chipping Sparrow

Sequoyah NWR, Oklahoma, November 2013

The Chipping Sparrow is nicknamed the “Hairbird” because of its habit of lining its nest with animal hair. The birds utilized horsehair originally, but will use any hair available, even if that means plucking strands of hair from a sleeping dog!