Orchard Oriole On My First Trip To Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

Yesterday, I was thrilled to see my first sunrise at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma and to take my first Orchard Oriole images from there too.

My first Tishomingo NWR sunrise in May 2024 – Samsung cell phone photo

The sunrise was spectacular after a bit of a nervous drive to the refuge in the dark on unfamiliar roads. Over time, I expect I’ll get used to the roads in the dark, but I never take sunrises for granted. Each new day brings wonder and delight, no matter where I am.

The refuge and the nearby town get their name to honor Chickasaw Chief Tishomingo. The refuge was established in 1946 as an administrative overlay of Corps of Engineers lands on a portion of the Washita Arm of Lake Texoma.

As I get to know this refuge, I am sure I will write more about it in the future.

Adult male Orchard Oriole at Tishomingo NWR – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Now, onto the Orchard Oriole. I heard the oriole first and then used my eyes to find him singing on a leafless branch of a tree next to the gravel road. I won’t say that this Orchard Oriole is a lifer for me. I have taken other images of this species, but I wasn’t happy with them.

I was happy with these photos that I took yesterday.

Singing male Orchard Oriole at Tishomingo NWR – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Listening to this male Orchard Oriole singing was a treat. I haven’t heard one in a very long time.

Now that I’m living here, I expect I will hear, see, and photograph these orioles while they are here for their breeding season, and that makes me happy.

Life is good.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mia

Click here to see my Orchard Oriole photos. I’ll be adding more as I take them!