If you think this coyote looks befuddled, you’re right.
1/1250, f/7.1/, ISO 400, 100-400 @115mm
As it crossed the road right in front of me (about two weeks ago) it suddenly stopped in complete bewilderment because it could feel something on the left side of its neck, but when it turned to investigate the young coyote apparently couldn’t see what it was because the object was too close to its head and it was hidden in the crease of the neck.
1/1250, f/7.1/, ISO 400, 100-400 @115mm
The offending object was a clump of grass which I could finally see when the coyote was able to nudge the bottom of the clump with its jaw and push it up where it was visible.
1/1650, f/7.1/, ISO 400, 100-400 @115mm
The youngster finally got the grass clump pulled away from its fur, held it for a few moments in triumph and then unceremoniously dropped it and continued across the road…
1/800, f/6.3/, ISO 400, 100-400 @180mm
where it captured a vole in less than two minutes.
1/640, f/5.6/, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
About a week ago I found this coyote staring at me in the early morning light. I love this warm light in the grassy setting. To me it almost looks like the coyote is smiling at me.
1/640, f/7.1/, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
And on the same morning, about 20 minutes later, another coyote crossed the road in front of me and proceeded to chase voles.
1/640, f/7.1/, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
This leap for the vole was unsuccessful. I wish I’d had more shutter speed for this shot but I still liked the action.
1/2000, f/5.6/, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
Then two days ago this handsome animal was very trusting of me and allowed me close. I like the colors of the coyote with the grassy setting.
1/2000, f/5.6/, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
This is the same animal as in the portrait above, as it slowly went on its way and looked back at me periodically. I enjoy how the coyote just seems to melt into the grasses.
This seems to have been a good year for coyotes on Antelope Island. In recent trips I’ve seen as many as 9-12 of them (although a few may have been repeated sightings of the same animal). But that’s only because they’re protected on the island – at least so far. If the state of Utah thinks they can make a buck on it I’m sure they’d auction off hunting permits for coyotes on the island (this is a state park, mind you), just like they now do for deer and bighorn sheep. And after coyotes, what’s next? Jackrabbits? Voles? How about it folks – what’m I bid for a permit to shoot a trophy brine fly on Antelope Island? We’ve got some HUGE ones out there!
Every time I see one of these wonderful creatures I feel shame and anger at the way Homo sapiens persecutes Canis latrans. The recent actions of the Utah Legislature and Governor Hebert to more than double the bounty on coyotes with the stated goal to kill 20,000 of them in Utah disgusts me.
When will we ever learn?
Ron
wow, Ron–those are some beautiful images. love the grasses and the light, as well as the great poses from the coyote. I’m still saving up for my brine fly trophy hunt–I’ll hire the best guide and it’s gonna look great stuffed up on the wall–at least until I accidentally smash it with a fly swatter. 🙂
Hadn’t thought of the monetary benefits a brine fly hunt might have for outfitters and guides Brian. And the pea-brains at the legislature just might latch on to that potential addition to the state coffers.
Great shots, Ron. I particularly like the action shots, then of course that beautiful portrait. What a beautiful animal.
Thanks Bob. And yes, coyotes can surely be beautiful. Stately too.
Hi Ron,
I love your photos! Just shared the link to the coyote story with Project Coyote on their FB page; I think they will love it, as did I! Would you mind emailing me regarding permission to use one of your grebe photos (the “ganging up to steal food” one) in a slide presentation I’m doing next week for the otter ecology project?
Thank you,
Megan Isadore
Megan
I’m in Montana. Hate typing on phone. Permission granted to use that image for stated purpose. Please give credit.
Thank you so much! Have a wonderful time in Montana, hope you capture some lovely photos!
Best, Megan
I LOVE the photos!!! What a sweet face!!! And so fun to watch the pounce. Why do I not feel sorry for the vole… And petitions that we can sign expressing our displeasure with the hunting of these lovely creatures?
Mr. Dudley
With all the students you taught, you probably don’t remember me, but I loved being a student in your Biology class at Highland. Tana pointed me to this blog of yours and I love seeing your photos of Utah wildlife (I live in Maryland now so these photos remind me of my past home). I’m also thrilled to hear a fellow Utahn and their “tree hugging leftie” stance. In High School, I was so desperately trying to fit in that I never spoke out and had no idea anyone (including teachers) might have an opinion outside of the conservative right. It’s very refreshing.
I’ve been following this blog for a few weeks and it sounds like you are enjoying life and I’m glad to hear it.
Wishing you the best.
Hey Jody – of course I remember you! And thank you for stopping by and commenting. Sorry for the late reply but I’m in Montana on a camping/photo trip and have very limited internet access. And yes, I was a “tree hugging leftie” back then and I STILL am.
So good to hear from you again!
I love these pictures. Down Teasdale way, we have been serenaded by coyotes at night and I have seen them in my driveway on occasion. But lately, nothing. I think they have all been killed for the 50 dollar bounty. I called wildlife services to ask where the killers take their coyote body bits for their paltry reward, and I was told that it has not been determined and they are to keep the pieces in their freezers until further notice. The alarming thing is that I have seen no raptors. I usually am treated to the presence of harriers, eagles, red tails and others on a daily basis, but nothing lately. I was down there for the last 5 days, (I am in SLC now), and the only birds of prey I saw were one lone kestrel and a merlin. Just wondering.
Thanks Tana. I’ve found many raptor populations to be cyclic in a particular area from year to year – one year there are high numbers and the next year they’re virtually nonexistant. But having so many species scarce does sound strange. Perhaps it’s a crash in the vole population in that area, which often happens with them. For example, southern Idaho this year has had a vole crash and many raptor populations are very low there. I hope it’s nothing more ominous than that…
I loved these shots of a graceful and elegant animal. And yes, that coyote did indeed appear to be smiling/grinning at you.
I have huge difficulties with hunting anything for pleasure. But then at the end of the day I am a tree-hugging leftie and what would I know.
Thank you Elephant’s Child. I’m glad you could see the “smile” too. I suspect that you wear your “tree-hugging leftie” badge proudly, as I do.