You only have to look at the breath coming from this beautiful coyote’s mouth to know it was pretty cold this past Friday. This was a pretty long shot so not the best quality but portrays some fun stuff. The coyote appeared to be alone but was being quite vocal, barking and howling, seeming to try to get something’s attention. Oftentimes in these cases you will hear a reply from another nearby but I never did. Perhaps, like I do to myself, it was just talking to itself?

It has been a while since I have seen any of these beautiful canids so here is one going back to January. This one and its mate were out and about on a chilly winter day and, thankfully, didn’t mind me watching them. They gave me a ton of cool shots, including this one when the male laid down and relaxed. He was pretty lazy that morning, even briefly catching a cat nap (pun intended). My favorite shot from this encounter is actually the cover photo on my 2024 Mammal’s calendar.

Going back to January 7th for this capture.  I was wrapping up my photo day and came across a pair of coyotes at the local fairgrounds as I headed for home. Snow had fallen the day before but on this morning, the sun was shining bright.

A pair of coyotes were out for a walk, enjoying the relatively warmth. This one stopped and checked me out as it stood in the nearly undisturbed fresh snow. The canine and its shadow really popped against the stark white of the landscape, making for a pretty cool capture.

They say persistence pays off but such was not the case for this coyote this past weekend. It seemed certain it had found a meal among the thick brush (likely a mouse or vole). It made three attempts at pouncing on its potential breakfast and even spent time digging at the ground but never did come up with even a nibble to eat. Despite that, it made for some pics of it as it leapt into air.

Sometimes I forget that coyotes are quite like their cousins, the domestic dogs we all enjoy as pets. They seem quite different at times when you see them in the wild and they are hunting and doing things our best friends would have no idea how to handle.

On this particular morning, this coyote served up reminders about just how alike they are though. It lounged in the early morning sun, yawned and stretched, just like my hounds do. The light was still kind of dim so the pics aren’t the best but still fun to see.

After our latest Arctic blast in Denver, Colorado, this coyote’s pose as the sun climbed over the horizon is how I feel with warmer weather on the horizon. This winter here hasn’t really been all that unusual, more just a bit more ‘normal’ than the recent mild winters but I am ready for some warmth.

This beautiful coyote and its mate were hanging out this past weekend and as the sun encroached on their chosen morning hangout. While the male was, unfortunately, suffering form a bit of mange, the lady was quite pretty.

A cold, dreary day a couple of weeks ago with below freezing temperatures. Despite the inhospitable weather, I still felt the need to stretch my legs so ventured out in a local open space.

Soon, I spotted a coyote out on the ice of a pond taking bites out of a goose carcass. A passerby spooked the canine off and it ran into some thick cover. Guessing where it might reappear, I ran ahead, hoping to get a closer look at it.

While I couldn’t get a clear shot due to thick trees between it and I, sure enough, the coyote emerged and, best of all, had found another goose for a meal. It carried it proudly back to its mate where they disappeared to dine in private.

A very fun sequence of images as we watch this predator get itself a meal. Be sure to flip through the entire sequence.

I spotted this coyote and its mate a long ways off and waited for almost a half hour as they gradually worked their way closer. Two times prior the coyote had pounced and successfully grabbed a mouse or vole but that action was too far away. On the third time, it finally was close enough for some decent pictures.

As it walked, it suddenly came to stop, tilting its head and listening for its unsuspecting prey beneath the snow. Then, a launch into the air and using its paws, it trapped the rodent. Breakfast was served!

I’ve seen this type of thing many times but this is the first time I had it happen somewhat close allowing for pictures so I am glad my patience was rewarded.

What a stunner this guy was! So beautiful and even more so when on a snow and ice covered pond.

Earlier this week I shared an image of him trying to take a nap on the ice. This pic was taken about 10 minutes before that, as he wandered around, patrolling the area with his mate.

Keeping my distance and staying somewhat concealed helped put them at ease making for a very relaxed and fun encounter. They knew I was there but knew I was no threat and allowed me to watch them on their morning walk. Fun stuff!