Happy 2017!! Not sure why, but we are seeing coyotes cruising through out property near Joshua Tree nearly every time we go out to the desert. Much more frequently than in the past. Usually early morning, and recently three coyotes together. I usually just watch them cruise by, but occasionally I'll grab my camera and try to get a shot.
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| Why did the coyote cross the road?? |
Last weekend, I heard my granddaughter yell "coyote!!" while my wife was out walking our chihuahua. This was before my first cup of coffee, so I was moving pretty slow. Fortunately, our chihuahua lived to yap another day, but you always have to be on guard and definitely need to keep small dogs on a leash.
Not a great photo (shot through a dirty window), but this fellow (gal?) was busy taking a dirt bath for quite a while. She just kept rolling around in the sand, which I've never seen a coyote do. Then she got up, moved on, and I moved on to the bedroom where I could get a better shot.
Isn't she beautiful? She heard me gently sliding the door open (so I didn't have to shoot through glass) but she didn't seem concerned. She stopped, posed for a moment, then moved on.
Shortly after the coyotes leave, the jackrabbits show up. Funny looking creatures! I'm pretty sure they are the primary food source of the coyotes. They have big buggy eyes, huge ears, and always seem to be on alert!
Later in the day, I was treated to this nice sunset.
If you've not heard the eerie yapping of a small pack of coyotes, here's what they sound like. This was taken from my front porch, and it's best toward the end of the clip. I know the coyotes were very close, but it was interesting that they were virtually invisible. Turn up the volume and enjoy!
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Their song is gorgeous. Love that sunset. She was quite the poser, wasn't she? Wonderful.
ReplyDeletebeautiful sunset
ReplyDeleteI love the shot from the bedroom---- and the bunny. and the sunset.
ReplyDeleteHello, I love seeing any wild animals. The coyote is cool, great sighting and photos. I also love the jackrabbit. Beautiful sky shot, lovely color. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I have heard coyotes. Extraordinary sound. And I've ner seen a jack rabbit before either. Those ears are so long! But my favourite scene is the coyote posing for you. Such a delightful, quiet expression on his/her face. And finally, a very beautiful sunset sky. Quite artistic.
ReplyDeleteGood shots.
ReplyDeleteYou managed to get some great pictures of the coyotes.
ReplyDeleteNice shot of the coyote and yes she is pretty.
ReplyDeleteWow what big ears the jack rabbits have.
I was surprised how high the coyotes cry sounds.
I've never seen a coyote - do they ever approach people?
ReplyDeleteHi Amy. There have been isolated reports of coyotes approaching people and even carrying off small children. Very rare, but wise to keep up your guard around them.
DeleteI've never seen a coyote before. Are they native?
ReplyDeleteYes, native, and a coyote howling under a desert moon is iconic... kind of a symbol of the desert. Also an important predator that helps keep the rabbit and rodent population in check.
DeleteVery interesting article and graeat set of photos! As always in your blog. Happy 2017!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting me! Wishing you a great 2017too! Well you got a good look at the coyote - especially when you were not quite awake yet:) Have a great rest of the week!
ReplyDeleteFood supply must be good in your area.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the coyote is a beautiful female, and so nice of her to pose for you.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all: Happy New Year for you and your family, Peter.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the sunset is nice, but I think the shots and sound of the coyotes is awesome. What a great Post!
Excellent shots.
ReplyDeleteWOW, amazing! I love the shots of the coyote(s) was there more than one? We saw what we thought was a coyote in the Smoky's once. It appeared to be smaller than a wolf, so we thought maybe it was coyote. We couldn't get close enough in time (and it was dark) to get a good look at the critter. It seems mountain wildlife has a way of slinking off into the forest the precise moment our car reaches them. BTW, you'll now find my SWF contributions now on Thursdays, here, and of course, if you want to some more laughs you can check out Friday Sillies. Have a blessed, happy new year, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI guess the rabbits need extra large ears to hear the coyotes sneaking up on them!
ReplyDeleteWe occasionally hear coyotes yipping here in the north Mississippi woods.
Have a wonderful week-end!
Thank you for the fine shots and the songs too! We have a coyote in our rural, wetland neighborhood who has become quite a star. I have not seen h/him yet.....
ReplyDeleteDon't they yip like that when they have something (prey)? That sound always sends shivers up my spine!
ReplyDeleteWe have quite a problem with coyotes in our area. When they start "crying" in the middle of the night, our dogs join along! Not what you want at 1 am.
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots and sounds. You had a great day with the camera!
ReplyDeleteDon't have the problem of coyotes but we get foxes though I doubt they would go after any dog least not in our house. Fox would get chased off. Great photos of the coyote. Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos ~ love the coyote and the rabbits ~ too close for comfort for me ~ Great sky shot ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year ~ ^_^
The clip of the coyotes yapping brings back memories of living in rural Arkansas 30 plus years ago. What a haunting sound it is. They would even wake me up, and I am a sound sleeper. They didn't bother us that much but went right after my neighbor's sheep. I enjoyed your photos, too - I never did see a coyote in the four years I lived on that land.
ReplyDeletePoor bunnies -- definitely the bottom of the food chain. I do think coyotes are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful wildlife and sunset - we have two small dogs and have to keep them on close leash when we go walking or hiking here.
ReplyDeleteWonderful pics.
ReplyDeleteLoved the video.
Happy New Year 2017
Greetings from India
Fabulous shots.
ReplyDeleteBoth the coyote and Jackrabbit are beautiful. The Jackrabbit looks big. Sounds like a pack of happy coyotes.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, your desert life throws up some wonderful experiences...
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos - glad your little dog was not harmed! We have lots of coyotes here in the North woods of WA state, too. Their vocalizing always makes my hair stand on end! It sounds like a pack of deranged clowns. Haha! I would be worried if I was a Jack-rabbit, too!
ReplyDeleteWe miss the coyotes of the southern California desert - music to go to sleep by. Wonderful shots - and another fabulous sunset.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!! Amazing pictures...a coyote crossing the road... She posed so nice and is impressive to see such wonder of nature. And so interesting video; I have never heard before "the eerie yapping of a small pack of coyotes"... (except in the documentaries)...
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing all of these with us! Have a great week ahead!
Truly lovely photos! Love those big ears, too.
ReplyDeleteThat is one healthy and beautiful looking Coyote. They are so brazen when looking for food. They patrol my neighborhood every morning and late afternoon, looking mostly for rabbits, but have no problem snatching peoples pets when they aren't paying attention. Nice photos!
ReplyDeleteWe spend quite a bit of time in the Cuyamaca Mountains (between Julian and Lake Cuyamaca) very close to the California Wolf Center. Almost every night you first here the wolves howling, and shortly after a pack or two of Coyotes doing the same. I don't think the coyotes would be doing that if the wolves weren't fenced in. Beautiful to listen to.