Some days are pure magic. Two days ago, at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, this Coyote pup made the day as magical as it could be and more.
Coyote pup portrait in summer – Canon R7, f8, 1/320, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Canon 100-500mm at 500mm, natural light
Steve Creek and I were at the refuge when Steve spotted an adult Coyote crossing a dirt road heading toward a cornfield. We both knew searching for that Coyote would most likely be futile because the corn is so thick.
We were aware that the Coyote had four pups because, on July 14th, we’d seen them out in the field near their where we believe they have their den. The adult had brought them something to eat that morning. My video below shows them after they had eaten and the pups were playing around.
We started looking for the pups on my side of the truck, hoping they would be there. Then I saw ears in the brush in the field the adult Coyote had walked through. I told Steve the general area where I saw the young coyote, and as usual, he was able to find the pup quickly.
Sometimes all I need to do is point in the direction of a subject, and Steve has it located. The same is true in reverse.
Steve’s truck was stopped by then, and we both exited it and used the truck and doors as a mobile blind.
The Coyote pup was hunting grasshoppers in the field, and at times it would seemingly disappear only to show up again. As it moved closer to us, I could see the Coyote pup wagging its tail, and that made me smile. I was reminded that Coyote pups aren’t so different from our own dog pups.
To our surprise, the young Coyote kept coming our way. I remember that we were both being as still as possible. As the Coyote pup neared the edge of the field, it disappeared into some thick Johnson Grass. Before long, though, we could see where it was coming through the stand of grasses.
I was closer to the young Coyote than Steve was because I was on the passenger side of his truck. As tall as Steve is, he had no problem seeing over the hood.
I had my camera propped on a beanbag on the passenger side door when the pup walked out of the grasses. The beautiful Coyote pup was only about seven feet from where I stood.
I quickly decided to take portraits to hopefully minimize the effect of the brightly lit grasses behind the young pup. Both the Coyote and I were in the shade of a large tree. I wasn’t sure any of my photos were going to turn out well given the conditions.
What was I sure about?
That I was totally and completely mesmerized and enchanted by the young Coyote and its gorgeous golden eyes.
I have taken better Coyote photos, to be sure; this one has its flaws. That is simply fact. But I deeply treasure this Coyote portrait.
After the young Coyote left to head back to its den, both Steve and I had grins on our faces for hours because this amazing wild creature graced us with its presence. Read Steve’s post about this Coyote pup here.
It is moments like we shared with the Coyote pup that keeps us going back into the field, time after time, day after day, year after year. We just never know what we’ll find.
Experiences like the one Steve and I had with this young Coyote are magical, and they are part of the reason why life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Coyote photos plus facts and information about this species.
Terrific close-up and I loved the video. Thanks Mia.
Lovely portrait and video. I wish I’d been there with you. The local coyotes are very secretive with their pups — and for good reason.
Wonderful close up! Is it possible to have too much fun?
Across the miles and through the screen I am smiling. Definite magic, and a memory to treasure.