The last time I was at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma in May, I photographed this handsome Eastern Kingbird at Lower Scarborough Slough.

Adult Eastern Kingbird at Lower Scarborough Slough, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, OklahomaAdult Eastern Kingbird at Lower Scarborough Slough – Canon R7, beanbag, f10, 1/800, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

The Eastern Kingbirds were numerous at and near Lower Scarborough Slough, as well as throughout the rest of the refuge. It was great to see so many of these dapper kingbirds and to be able to photograph a few.

Most of the kingbirds I saw were either perched, scanning for prey, or flying after it. This particular kingbird stayed on the perch long enough for me to take a nice series of photos of her or him.

While the background of this image might look like a tree with leafy branches, it’s actually aquatic plants growing in the slough.The bits of blue in the background are reflections of the sky on the water.

I’m hoping that I will be able to photograph young Eastern Kingbirds this year. I missed out on that last breeding season. The young kingbirds are so much fun to watch and observe through my viewfinder.

Eastern Kingbirds preferred habitats include overgrown fields, forest edges, open areas with scattered shrubs or trees, urban environments including golf courses and parks and areas near water with overhanging trees.

During their breeding season, these kingbirds eat primarily insects. In their nonbreeding season, in the forests of South America, they mostly eat fruit.

Eastern Kingbirds are “tyrants” and will attack much larger birds that come near their nests. They are very, very protective of their nests and young.

I love watching, hearing, and photographing Eastern Kingbirds, and I am happy to see them in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Eastern Kingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.