Coyote 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 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 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 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 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.
What a gorgeous animal. Hard to say which is my favorite, but I love the first shot. It feels like the coyote has a sense of awareness and joy of being alive there.
Love this post — especially the close-up — nice work Mia!
I so love the look of their winter coats. You caught some lovely moments there!
Great series if shots. I love your work.
The first thing that caught my eye, in the first photo, was the striking pose of the coyote.
Second, the likeness of the color of the grasses and the coyote – fantastic bit of natural delight!
Thanks for sharing, Mia.
Mary
Love how the curve of the pigweed matches the curve of the coyote’s pose in the third. What a thick luxurious coat and almost playful in the hunt.Great images.
These are spectacular photos, Mia! I never even begin to get this close to a Coyote where I live. The minute they see or hear a vehicle, they’re on the run.
Hey, Happy Mia! What wonderful images of a really magnificent animal! We were fortunate to see a Coyote last week here in central Florida. Was scanning a field for Burrowing Owls when a Coyote took off from his hiding spot behind some dried grass. If he hadn’t moved, we never would have seen him. Pretty cool for us!
These are gorgeous photos!!! I see my dog, a mutt of possible german shepherd and cattle dog, in every coyote. Perky ears, cute nose. I just want to pet the creature, and scratch under its chin. I know this is SILLY!! I’m a sucker.
Absolutely gGorgeous Series especially the last close up image Mia! Wonderful.
Wow, what a beautiful creature! You really did capture some outstanding photographs! I especially love the portrait and pouncing images.
WHat an incredible, wonderful portrait!!! Love it and the third image…the matching colors and composition in the third frame are beautiful!
Gentle animal in search of food.
One Coyote + one low light winter morning + camera in hand = 1 happy Mia
It only takes one!
Great sequence of the One.
Stunning captures, Mia!
Awesome images Mia !
Mia – Beautiful images of a beautiful animal!