High key Coyote in a winter whiteout – 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
Quite a few winters ago when seeing Coyotes on Antelope Island was more routine than rare I photographed this Coyote in snowy whiteout conditions on the island. The Coyote and its mate were hunting for voles despite the harsh wintry conditions. They were so focused on finding food that the Coyotes ignored the “mobile blind” I was in. That morning I was able to take portraits of this beautiful “Song Dog” because it came in close plus photos of it further away from me.
I enjoyed taking and viewing each high key photo that I took of this Coyote and its mate that cold, snowy morning on the island. I’d love to have the opportunity to take more images like this one of this species.
In the nine winters since I took this photo things have changed. It doesn’t snow as much down in the valley as it did back then and when it does the snow doesn’t seem to last as long.
Winters have gotten warmer. It was nearly 60 degrees here in the Salt Lake Valley yesterday and in the mid 50’s the day before. When I moved here in 2009 I never thought I’d see temps that high during the month of January.
Plus, as I mentioned above, seeing Coyotes on the island is now more rare than routine which has truly saddened me because Coyotes are safe on the island which means they aren’t and can’t be shot there for the bounty the state has placed on their lives. I don’t know why we don’t see the coyotes as often as we used to, I wish that I did.
Coyote are beautiful, fascinating, tough, and resilient. I appreciate them for what they are and what they do in nature and I love photographing them whenever I have the chance.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Coyote photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful pic. I love the composition. Thanks Mia.
Great shot of the Coyote!
Unlike others we see both Gray Fox (rarely) and Red Fox (often), but only hear the Coydog (Eastern Coyote). They usually start to howl between 2230 and 0130. Since there is snow on the ground we see both fox and Coydog tracks. Interesting fox tracks are near the cottage were the Coydog is further away around our field/meadow. Interesting after a light snow what one sees for tracks the next morning!
As usual, Ellie Baby says what I think better than I can!
That is a truly stunning photo (and experience).
I do hope that you can see more coyotes again. Soon.
We used to see suburban coyotes in the Fraser Valley and even on university grounds closer to Vancouver. Since relocating to the east coast I haven’t seen one and sadly it seems all wildlife is scarcer here. Another reason why I am so happy to see your coyote shots.
Hi sweetie! Theses photo are so bright and the snow so special backgrounds ! The Coyote is a beautiful breed!You caught them perfect
I used to see Coyotes quite often in all seasons here in Niagara. I’ve photographed their pups. The last few years, if I see a Coyote once a year, I am lucky. Loss of habitat and climate change being the two key changes.