Great Blue Heron and turtle on Christmas Day at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, beanbag, f8, 1/3200, ISO 1000, -1.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 400mm, natural light
On Christmas Day I photographed a Great Blue Heron and a turtle in Miner’s Cove at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.
Yes, a turtle in winter!
I knew about the heron being at Miner’s Cove because my dear friend and wildlife photographer, Steve Creek, called and let me know it was there. I drove my Jeep in front of Steve’s pickup and started to photograph the immature heron right away.
You never know when the herons at the refuge will fly off. They can be rather skittish.
Something up the road in front of me caught my eye, and I realized that a bicyclist was heading right toward us. I quickly texted Steve to let him know about the man on the bicycle and took a few more stills before switching over to video.
I was fairly certain the bicyclist would cause the heron to fly off, and he did, as you will see in the video below.
The sound in the background of this video is the bicyclist who came down the gravel road. I didn’t even notice the turtle in the video until the next day while reviewing my photos and videos of the heron.
The record breaking temp reached 80°F on Christmas Day, which is probably why the turtle appeared. Can you see it?
Turtle at Miner’s Cove on Christmas Day at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma – Canon R7, beanbag, f8, 1/3200, ISO 1000, -1.3 EV, Canon RF 100-500mm at 400mm, natural light
The photo above is a blown up version of the first image. I wanted to show the turtle closer up. I believe it is a Red-eared Slider. On Christmas Day! Because the temperature was so warm.
The weather here has been weirdly warm for December. It is supposed to be 81°F today. That is freaky!
Life is good. Birds and wildlife make it totally fascinating.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Great Blue Heron photos plus facts and information about this species.
The GBH seems to be standing guard at the Refuge. What a stately fellow. Once again your eyesight continues to amaze me. How on earth did you spot that turtle next to the Heron? Incredible. Thanks Mia.
Happy New Year! I’m already anticipating your images to come in 2026.
The GBH and his shelled friend make the perfect present! 💝
Your picture and video are so wonderful and beautiful. I was so excited to see the Heron and Turtle together. It made me smile. Much needed in our crazy world. Thank you for sharing!