Coyote running across a snow drift – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in
In my post yesterday I shared a Coyote photo in the snow and wanted to share a few more of the low light Coyotes I saw on Antelope Island State Park on Monday. It is a challenge to photograph in low light and snow, exposure compensation is key so that the subject isn’t too dark and the snow isn’t too bright. I opted to go light on the subjects in these images and brought down the exposure of the snow in post processing.
I mentioned that I spotted two Coyotes, one pale larger one I believe to be a male and a darker, smaller one I believe to be a female. The female never came up close like the pale Coyote did, the picture above shows the pale Coyote running through the snow as it came closer.
Coyote sniffing for voles – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 328mm, natural light, not baited or called in
The pale Coyote was hunting, it would often stop and press its muzzle into the snow to sniff out voles. Just after the image above was created the Coyote stuck its nose into the snow drift. It was aware of my presence but didn’t seem bothered by me as it came so close I wasn’t able to focus on it at times.
Snowy Coyote portrait – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light, not baited or called in
I was able to zoom in and get some portraits of the pale Coyote with snow covering its muzzle and face.
Coyote and snow drifts pano – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in
The Coyote that I believe to be the female because of its smaller size was more cautious than the paler Coyote and hung back, in front of her the pale Coyote’s tracks are just barely visible. She never came in close to me.
Coyote sitting on a road – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in
The pale Coyote sat on the road and appeared to be waiting for the darker one to catch up but after a few minutes it was clear to us that she wasn’t going to and I passed the pale Coyote on the road. Later on after making a loop to the south of the island I saw them together again on a hill-side.
I know some people may not care for these images because they are high key but I find them; and the Coyotes, very appealing.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Coyote photos plus facts and information about this species.
I really enjoy seeing the Antelope Island coyotes through your lens, Mia.
Thank you Julie.
Hi! Love all of the pic’s, but the head & nose shot I love best! Keep up your great shots!
Thank you Mom!
Your coyote images show so much sensibility towards this animal. The third portrait close-up of the animal touched me deeply, you have gone so deep into its character and soul. I love the sense of scale in the fourth image. Its muzzle is a prodigious wonder from nature.
Thanks Maria, I feel an attachment to Coyotes and hope that shows in my images. They are often maligned but they are simply doing what their nature calls them to do.
This series so makes me wish I could have been there! So beautiful in capturing the coyote spirit, Mia.
I wish you had been here Ingrid, what fun that would be. Thanks for commenting on these images.
What a beautiful Coyote it is, you bring out the wonderful coat, cheers Mia.
Thanks Bob, they do have wonderful coats.
The composition of the photo of the dark (female?) coyote is absolutely gorgeous. Notice how the branches form subtle arcs down to the animal. She certainly appears to be “queen” within herself. That portrait is such a pleasure to examine of the pale coyote…. All the photos are a document in the lives of these animals and of the ecosystem within which they survive. Truly treasures.
Thanks Merrill, the composition of the female Coyote was very appealing to me, a sense of isolation and stoic determination.
Adorable, so love the one with snow on his nose.
Thank you Lauren!
Oh, man, I can’t imagine not appreciating these lovely shots of such a cool animal. Some of my favorite film visuals were the blowing snow shots in Fargo. LOVE that snowy desolation.
Man, and that super close shot of his face, what a TREAT! =) Glad you decided to share more. And glad to learn they reunited. =)
Thanks biobabbler, I loved getting the close up shots too. Especially with snow on its face!
!!! Awesome images, Mia. Terrific closeup. The coyotes must feel very comfortable there in the park. It’s great that you are able to capture such close shots!
Thanks Scott, the Coyotes on the island don’t get hunted so they are some what less wary of humans.
You know I like the low light on these guys, kind of softens them. I absolutely adore the expression on the last one!
Sherry, the low light does soften them some. Thanks for commenting.
Wow!
Thank you Beverly!
Beautiful images Mia, too bad the female was so shy:)
Thanks Susan, hopefully I will get images of the female soon.
Wonderful images Mia- just a superb job on exposing the subject. And I love your high key approach to these winter scenes-very nice work.
Thanks so much Chuck! Hope to see you back out here soon.
Beautiful.
Thank you John!