Coyote in a pounce positionCoyote in a pounce position – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 200mm, natural light, not baited or called in

There are times when one subject will make my day in the field worthwhile, yesterday it was a lone Coyote hunting for voles on the shoreline of the Great Salt Lake. The Coyote dashed out onto the road on the causeway to Antelope Island State Park and started to hunt on the north side. The image above shows the Coyote in a pounce position.

Coyote giving me a direct stareCoyote giving me a direct stare – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 200mm, natural light, not baited or called in

After the pounce the Coyote began to dig into the snow and the cold ground. It did eventually capture and eat its prey and I will share some of those images another time.

It was about 18 degrees but the cold north wind coming off of the icy lake made it feel much colder and my fingers got numb quickly before I had the chance to pull my gloves on.

Coyote on the shore of the Great Salt LakeCoyote on the shore of the Great Salt Lake – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 200mm, natural light, not baited or called in

The Coyote didn’t pay much attention to anything other than hunting for prey except that it kept turning to look towards the island. Maybe it was looking for its mate, there weren’t any other vehicles stopped to take photographs so that couldn’t have drawn the Coyote’s attention. I love the habitat in this frame and how closely the colors of the dried pigweed match some of the colors in the Coyote’s winter coat.

Coyote licking its chopsCoyote licking its chops – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 200mm, natural light, not baited or called in

Here is the Coyote from yesterday licking its lips and once again looking west towards the island. These Coyotes survive and thrive in very harsh conditions with bitter winters and snow-covered ground to the scorching heat of summer and droughts.

Winter Coyote portraitWinter Coyote portrait – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 264mm, natural light, not baited or called in

I am delighted any time I am able to get a portrait of a Coyote and yesterday I was able to get several portraits. I like this portrait the best because the Coyote was looking towards the island again. Maybe it could see its mate in the distance though I will never know for sure.

One Coyote + one low light winter morning + camera in hand = 1 happy Mia

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Coyote photos plus facts and information about this species.