Page 37 - 2019 MAR/APR Outdoor Oklahoma

Going Behind

the Lens

Shutterbug Biologist Stalks Sandpipers

By Jena Donnell, Wildlife Diversity Specialist

Each year, sandpipers fly more than 2,000 miles from their South American wintering grounds to their high-Arctic
breeding grounds. Along the way, they must take short breaks to rest and refuel on small aquatic crustaceans.
Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area in southwestern Oklahoma is a stopover for many of those sandpipers.
Area biologist Kelvin Schoonover recently pointed out a mass of the small shorebirds frantically probing the
exposed mud to fellow biologist and photographer Jeremiah Zurenda, who saw an opportunity to combine his love
for the outdoors and his passion for photography.
“Oklahoma has a lot of exceptional places to watch — and photograph — nature, and Hackberry Flat WMA is a great
example. The flooded wetlands attract a large number of shorebirds and wading birds during the spring and fall migra-
tions. Because of that, it has become a really popular bird watching and wildlife photography spot,” Zurenda said.
After years of honing his skill, Zurenda has learned location is one key to getting high-quality nature photos.
“Spending time in areas with a lot of wildlife and a lot of photo opportunities will significantly increase your chances

JEREMIAH ZURENDA/ODWC JEREMIAH ZURENDA/ODWC

Semipalmated sandpiper at Hackberry
Flat WMA. Snowy plover at Hackberry Flat WMA.

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