Even mundane moments like this one can be pretty special when a wild animal allows us such an intimate look into their world.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 400mm, not baited, set up or called in
In June of 2015 I found a pair of coyotes returning to Antelope Island after an apparent night of hunting along the causeway (back in the days when there was something to hunt on the causeway). These photos were taken immediately after sunrise so the colors are extremely warm, perhaps too warm for some viewers. But they’re accurately represented in these photos so I didn’t tone them down during processing. Besides, the warm light plays an integral role in this story.
I was quite close to the coyotes so I had to switch to my smaller zoom lens. With a vehicle this close to them even the coyotes of Antelope Island would usually show signs of nervousness but these two (I’m not including photos of the second coyote) were acting as if I wasn’t even there. They just went about their business.
After a long night of hunting this one decided it was time for a rest in the warmth of the rising sun so ‘he’ began to lie down right next to the shore of the Great Salt Lake. .
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 400mm, not baited, set up or called in
He took his time about it as he used his long front legs to slowly extend his body into a comfortable position on the wet sandy mud..
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM @ 400mm, not baited, set up or called in
And then he just laid there, deliberately broadside to the sun and facing it, in a primal behavior that coyotes have been using for millennia to warm up after a cold night.
I love this pose in the very warm light, in part because it reminds me of a German Shepherd warming peacefully near the hearth of a roaring fireplace. The link between wild and domestic behaviors becomes obvious.
Ron
This is a beautiful cozy-looking photo! Great work, as always.
Beautiful! And I love the warm light. In one of the most important books I have ever read, Hanta Yo by Ruth Beebe Hill, the coyote is called the running dog. Wolves are the real dogs and foxes the little dogs. I think these simple, descriptive terms so beautiful.
We see coyotes here in my neighborhood. I hate how much of their territory we have taken over. I am also highly amused at the coyote’s apparent DILLIGAF attitude here. They just keep on being coyotes. Song Dog is a great name for them and new to me. Again, the reason to read the comments is to learn from others.
And DILLIGAF is new to me. Don’t know how I missed it or I lived without it. Thanks.
Arwen, I can’t take credit for Song Dog. Lots of folks have been calling them that for years.
😀 It always makes me laugh!
Wonderful series Ron, is that blood on its right cheek?
Charlotte Norton
I’m not sure, Charlotte. Possibly.
Hi Ron, I haven’t replied for awhile but still enjoying your photos. Is that a bit of blood from the nights catch below “his” right ear – do you think? Nobody else asked about it.
Hi Jim, it could be but I’m not sure.
Expert preparation once again collided with opportunity to produce spectacular results!
How fantastic to be able to photograph a totally relaxed wild animal. The Song Dog in the sun has to be a wonderful memory for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us mortals.
It sure is a wonderful memory, Wally. The fact that they were so relaxed in my presence is a big part of it.
Late to the party, Ron, but I really appreciate this series. What an intimate portrait! Thank you for posting.
Thanks, Diane.
That last image is a beautiful portrait of a beautiful animal. Love how his colors in the warm sun mimic the rocks before him. Have loved coyotes since I was a kid (Wile E. was a favorite, of course). They are amazing in their ability to adapt, and they’ve had to adapt to a lot.
Since Judy pointed out the blood on back leg and cheek, I zoomed in for a better look and now I’m worried that the poor guy was injured (I know, 6 years ago). 😕 But if he had been limping, I’m sure you’d remember that.
Nope, neither of them was limping as I recall, Chris. They both seemed to be in fine fettle.
There is NOTHING mundane about these images. To the coyote perhaps, but it is always a privilege to look into wild critters world.
Agreed, EC. Thank you.
These photos remind me that before all the other houses in our neighborhood were built the coyotes would come in the morning and lay on the street in front of the house and bask in the sun. It was a privilege and joy watching them. Of course, they are much more secretive now with all the houses around, with only occasional sightings. Nice to know they’re still around
Lyle, they used to do the same thing when I was a kid and we were living in a country “neighborhood” near Escondido, CA. It’s all dense housing now.
Lovely colors and a lovely moment. Thanks for posting.
Thank you, Kathryn.
He looks a little sphinx-like to me in the last shot. I know, more cat than dog, but then you’ve always known I’m a bit of a weirdo. 😉 This is another wall-worthy series. The warm light definitely picks up and enhances all the beautiful colors of his fur. After living in the mountains as a very young child, coyotes hold a very special place of beauty and wonderment in my heart.
“He looks a little sphinx-like to me in the last shot.
You’re right Marty, he does. Maybe a lot. I hadn’t even noticed and I should have.
Love coyotes – we have several in our AZ neighborhood that visit from the nearby Salt River Indian Reservation. Agree that coyotes get a bad rap. They will eat your small dog so don’t leave the dog alone! Love their howling after a successful kill. 🙂
Thanks, Kathleen.
Beautiful series. Lovely animal. I am so happy they are seen again on the island. Hope it doesn’t change. Their behaviors are part cat part dog. I hate the $50 bounty on their lives in Utah, I would sure like to change this!They have a bad rap, their main diet is rodents and rabbits, they will eat lizards, birds, insects and some plants. Coyotes are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem.
“Coyotes are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem.”
That says it all, April. Or at least it should.
It always a treat to see wildlife of any kind in a relaxed state 😍 The last picture is perfect.
Thanks, Diana. I’m quite fond of the last one myself.
Gorgeous photos and a very special moment of peace and the kind of inter-species trust we could use a lot more of in this world.
Man, could we ever Granny Pat. Given our track record I don’t blame critters for not trusting us. Not one bit.
I’m so glad that you made and posted these photos–I have a real admiration
for coyotes– their survival skills are mighty impressive, and –maybe I imagine it–a reserved sort of dignity when they’re able to relax for a moment, as you
have captured here……
I don’t think you “imagine it”, Kris. I agree.
How beautiful! Thank you.
Take Care,
Kaye
Park City, UT
Thank you, Kaye. Hope you’re enjoying your snow up there in PC.
“God’s Dog”.
Pictures that warm the soul.
Thanks Ron
I always think of them as Song Dogs, Porcupine.
Love this set, Ron, thanks!
Thank you, Art.
These are beautiful shots on a shy animal. We have coyotes meandering around in our area occasionally, but some people are afraid of them since this is an urbanized area. I think they’re fascinating.
“I think they’re fascinating.”
So do I, Kathleen. Thanks.
Beautiful in the warm light. 🙂 Appears his left lower leg may have some blood on it as well as his right cheek hopefully meaning a successful hunt and full belly. Sunshine is a GREAT way to warm up. Still has a little power here for that tho it is waning…..;)
Thanks, Judy. I remember that MT sun in winter. It’s so low in the sky, even at midday, it sure doesn’t warm things up much. Even when the wind isn’t blowing…