Coyote running in a fog along the Great Salt LakeCoyote running in a fog along the Great Salt Lake – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in

Yesterday morning I spotted a pair of Coyotes running along the north side of the causeway to Antelope Island State Park as I have on numerous occasions.  There is still ice on the Great Salt Lake south of the causeway and in the marshes surrounding the lake which can create lake fog early in the morning and yesterday there was plenty of fog visible from the causeway. The sun was rising and lighting up the Coyotes even though they were in the lake fog.

Coyote in a Great Salt Lake lake fogCoyote in a Great Salt Lake lake fog – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in

I appreciate the challenge of photographing birds and animals in varying light conditions because I want to have the skills to get the images in spite of poor weather or light and I love having images in my portfolio that aren’t always taken in “sweet light”. I think the light and fog were pretty sweet yesterday despite the fog.

Coyote digging in the snowCoyote digging in the snow – 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

This Coyote was photographed 22 days ago in the same general area as the Coyote I photographed yesterday when there was still snow on the ground and the lake was still frozen. There was poor light, fog and extremely cold temperatures that day.

I didn’t photograph many birds yesterday but more than I have on the island for quite some time which I hope means it will be getting busier with the spring arrivals. Starting the day photographing Coyotes always makes me want to howl with delight. They are amazing, adaptable creatures who help to keep nature in balance.

Life is good.

Mia

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