Canid pups are just plain cute but throw in a bushel of awkward long legs and I think the cuteness is amplified.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I encountered this youngster, a sibling and parent, on the Antelope Island Causeway yesterday morning at dawn. The adult was loping west in an apparent attempt to reach the safety of the island now that traffic on the causeway was beginning to build and the pups were trying to keep up with the parent. They were usually backlit but this one turned toward me enough to put some light on its face and body for a few seconds so I fired off a burst.
At this age their long legs seem a little out of control. In this shot I caught all four feet off the ground and its legs in awkward-appearing positions. In fact the right front leg almost seems to be enclosed and entrapped by a loop formed by two other legs. This is one of my few wildlife shots where my eye is drawn more to the legs and feet than to the face and eyes.
Even on the island where they’re not indiscriminately shot coyotes don’t have an easy life so I wish these two pups and their parent the best.
Ron
Sensational shot and I sure agree with you those legs are certainly eye catching! Superior shot!
Charlotte
Gangly. He’s a gangly juvenile and I wish him all the luck as well. Cutie pie.
Awww. All legs and ears. And charm.
Thanks Ron. And definitely good life wishes for them all.
Obviously this is what is meant when someone says, “i’m all ears!”
Thank you for all the kind comments. I had yet another encounter with “cute” this morning, more young Burrowing Owls this time. I’ll be posting photos of them sometime soon I’m sure.
Beautiful shot, Ron.
And—-he looks as if he’s smiling at you ( anthropocentric, I know ) which adds to the gawkiness of the little critter’s appearance…….
Gawky teenager…My grandson just rescued a Weimaraner who had spent his entire 7 months in a small cage and, as a result, has badly atrophied hind legs. Hopefully, Scooby will gain some muscle with regular waliking and playing with their other dogs. They look about the same age.
Actually, this “singing dog” iktomi (trickster) pup looks only about 4 or 5 months…I wish him luck!!!
Wonderful image Ron ! Great light and expression.
Great shot Ron, very cute shot, thanks for sharing. Hope he made it!
Great, great light .. and oh … what big ears you have!!!! Cuteness!!
Very cool Ron. Coyotes are one of the most interesting mammals I’ve ever encountered. And one of the smartest. Your photo really shows their appeal.
A real cutie. I, too, wish them a good life. Coyotes are beautiful animals who deserve way better than they get from too many humans.
Such a beautiful face. It does look like the legs are going to get tangled up lol..Great shot Ron!
Sweet.