One afternoon on our latest Montana trip we decided to do a little “sploring” (as we call it) and investigate some country new to us so we spent several hours cruising the back roads on the south side of the Centennial Mountains. We found a beautiful mountain valley very close to the continental divide that provided a variety of habitats but few birds.
But it did give me my best photographic opportunity ever with a Montana coyote.
1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
The coyote was actively hunting the bottom of a small creek drainage that paralleled the road as both wound down out of the mountains. It would pop into and out of view as I tried to stay slightly ahead of it to get the best light possible in the afternoon sun that was often sidelighting my subject. The coyote was so intent on hunting that it largely ignored me but there’s no question that it was very aware of my presence.
Higher up the ravine its hunting style was to walk fast, occasionally loping, with it’s focus on the grasses directly ahead. When it saw, heard or smelled something of interest…
1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
it would often freeze as it waited for an opportunity at the prey. I saw it catch two small rodents (probably voles) but it was turned away from me so I didn’t get any acceptable images of that action.
1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
Here the coyote has apparently seen or heard a vole under or near one of the ubiquitous cow pies in the area (a legacy of the “multiple use” policies of our federal land managers). It held this position for some time before it continued down the ravine.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
Just prior to this shot the coyote froze and stared at the ground in front of it and cocked its head, obviously listening. Then it leaped high into the air and pounced. Here the ground slopes fairly steeply down toward me which gives the illusion that the coyote isn’t as high in the air as it actually is. I estimate that it jumped almost 3′ in the air…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
and it came down hard with its front feet and snout. But alas, the coyote came up empty this time…
1/800, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
Toward the bottom of the ravine it came upon a shady nook with standing water. The coyote seemed to appreciate the relative coolness and stopped to enjoy it…
1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
and drink from the small creek.
1/1000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4
At this point it gave me what may have been a slightly menacing look. Its hackles aren’t raised but its back is and its stare toward me is intense. So I let the coyote be and continued on down the road.
I’ve photographed many Utah coyotes over the years but I thought this one was a particularly handsome, prime specimen. I spent over 20 minutes with it and I was struck by how much red these mountain coyotes have, particularly on the backs of the ears, top of the head and hind legs, as compared to our desert coyotes in Utah.
Ron
Note: Egg on my face! We were actually in Idaho when I took these photos. Not by much, but we were. I suspect this coyote has spent time in Montana too, but… Why did I have to pick that title???
Wonderful series, reminded me of my aussie/border collie mix. She would hunt like that.
He’s a beautiful coyote – whether an Idaho or Montana native! And I give him a perfect 10 on his jump!!
What an outstanding series of shots Ron! Each one is just fantastic!
Thanks so much for sharing them.
Charlotte Norton
What a perfect post for today – at least as I see it. We saw a beautiful coyote crossing the road when we were on our way into Hueco Tanks this morning. It, too, looked very healthy. It’s nice to see that, especially after the ones you posted from Antelope Island. I love these photos, especially the one where it is pouncing. I’m another one who enjoys other creatures as well as the birds. Hey, I’ve even fallen in love with lizards since we started spending so much time at Hueco Tanks.
Wow! What a pounce!
How nice to see a coyote in most excellent condition. And how nice that he was comfortable enough with you to continue his day.
I am hope (so much) that Patty gets good news from her daughter very soon.
Thank you, Elephant’s Child.
Patty DID post good news, only two minutes before your comment. See below.
Love the coyote pictures, Ron. Love also that other people know and use the word lagnaippe. I learned this word in 4th grade and have remembered it ever since. I really enjoy your photos and descriptions.
Thanks, Buff. 4th grade, wow! I sure missed that word somehow…
Even if you’re not good at it, please pray for my daughter Cindy…she lives in Lyons, Co. the heart of the flooding. We haven’t heard fro hr since she was about 6 miles from home, on higher ground trying to save some horses in the flats. Thanks, pilamayaye
Oh no, Patty! I hope with all I have that everything turns out well!
Thanks, Ron…
Our daughter, Cindy (from Lyons, CO) just called. She, her landlord, her beau, Thom and the horses are OK. I am now 199 years old, gibbering and drooling, eyes rolling back in my head…will turn 200 on Feb. 8th…Instead of presents, please send ambulance.
Wonderful, wonderful news, Patty. Happy (early, very early) 200th Birthday!
wonderful shots, love leaping one and seeing such a healthy looking coyote. Most of the ones I’ve seen in the west, have been very scrawny looking
Patty, I’ve seen a lot of scrawny coyotes out here too, especially this year with the heat and drought. Summers in the high country of southwest Montana must be almost ideal for them but that table is turned dramatically during their brutal winters.
Thanks for a beautiful sequence of shots, Ron. In addition to telling an exciting story, their composition, lighting, and color were superb. I guess those few oddball visitors like me who enjoy photos of mammals perhaps even more than photos of birds appreciate this lagniappe. 🙂
I guess we’re both “oddballs” then, Dwynn. I appreciate nice mammal images almost as much as I do those of birds. I don’t take many of them though, partly because I don’t relish shooting in places like Yellowstone where there’s scores of cameras aimed at every subject.
And I appreciate the vocabulary lesson! “Lagniappe” is a new word for me – had to look it up and I like the word so I hope I remember it…
What an awesome series. I love watching them in hopes of catching an action hunting shot.
Thank you, Tanja.
Wonderful Series Ron ! Photo # 4 does it for me.The coloring of this beauty reminds me of the ones we have up here in the Lake Tahoe area. We have a few that are quite big ,which almost resemble a red wolf ( but the ears are much larger). And their intense gaze always gives a privileged shiver. Thanks!
Thank you, John. “Privileged shiver” – I love that phrase for the situation!
Cool Ron! Where you at in the Big Sky today? We’re on our way up into the Missouri River Breaks today or tomorrow. I heard the elk are in & doing their dance. If you haven’t ever gone to see that, you should! It’s at a place called Slippery Ann just across the Fred Robinson Bridge. Have an awesome day.
Thanks, Deb. Sad to say that I’m back home in Utah now – we had to get outa there when the stormy weather came in. Pulling a trailer over 30 miles of muddy dirt roads to reach pavement isn’t any fun (I’ve done it before and don’t want to again).
I wish you lots of luck with the Elk. I heard some bugling on this trip but didn’t see any…
Man those are fantastic Ron!! This guy is in great condition, prime, what a wonderful specimen. Not only that but you got their typical behavior, WOW!! These guys you photograph have got to feel safe or simply comfortable around your pickup! Certainly there are advantages in photographing in wide open spaces, or just having space to shoot. I’m envious!!
Dick, I was very surprised this coyote was so comfortable with me that close. Unlike the coyotes on Antelope Island, these Montana coyotes are hunted and persecuted relentlessly and they’re usually super shy.
And yes, I agree with you about shooting in wide open spaces – one of the many, many reasons I love Montana so much.