Coyote standing on a rock looking down a hillside Coyote standing on a rock looking down a hillside – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/320, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 200mm, natural light, not baited or called in

The weather forecast for yesterday was “mostly sunny” and once again the weather forecasters were wrong, at least for the period of time I was out photographing on Antelope Island State Park.  The light was low, snow was falling lightly a great deal of the time and while it was frustrating I took images anyway.

This Coyote had its front legs on top of a snow-covered rock looking down a hillside, I do wish that I had more eye contact than I do but I do like the mood this images conveys. The image is full frame because the Coyote was so close.

Coyote running through the snow Coyote running through the snow – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 200mm, natural light, not baited or called in

The Coyotes I saw were all actively hunting in the snow. This Coyote was probably startled because there were about 5 cars full of birders doing the Christmas Bird Count that had come up behind us. One car doesn’t bother a Coyote much but six does. I should have bumped up my ISO to get a faster shutter speed than 1/800.

Coyote deep in the snowCoyote deep in the snow – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/500, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in

This Coyote was hunting on the edge of a marshy area and I really like the setting with the snow-topped vegetation and the out of focus bare twigs.

It did get sunny eventually… right about the time we left the park entrance I looked back and the island was positively beautiful. Yeah, don’t count on the weather forecasters for an accurate prediction.

Life is good.

Mia

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