Look at those ears! This watcher caught me unaware through the window at dawn. I shot him through double paned glass in the rain. Holler coyotes are quite bold now, coming through our fences before dawn and hanging out. This is a sub-adult, so I suspect he dug under the fences.
You can see he is bold, made and held eye contact, even while I grabbed my camera case, pulled out my camera, removed the lens cap, and got a few shots.
Since he didn’t back off, I opened the door, and walked after him. He sashayed off after I yelled.
This guy in Death Valley also stood his ground, but he was not challenging, more interested.
He sashayed off too.
These are more Holler sub-adult coyote siblings. The one who stared at me also has a sibling. All four are about the same age, sub-adult.
This is an adult. Coyotes and Grey Wolves may be the only ‘pure’ wild canine species still surviving in North America. Most other wolf species have at least some coyote DNA.
Red Wolves, for example, share 75% of their DNA with coyotes. For more on this read: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/distinctions-blur-between-wolf-species#:~:text=Red%20wolves%20contain%20about%2075,to%2050%20percent%20coyote%20ancestry.
There are also a lot of Ceonothus Silk Moths at The Holler right now. Ceonothus is lilac. We live in Lilac California, named after the wild lilacs that grow profusely here. Ceonothus Moths lay their eggs on wild lilac. They have a wing span of up to five inches, have no mouth, live only a matter of days and only live to reproduce.
They are calm and beautiful creatures who are not afraid of humans.
Cheers to you from The Holler Creatures~
OH what a great shot.. and that defiant stare lol… ‘ I will saunter off when I feel like it ‘ lol…. Great set of photo shots Cindy… Thank you.. and I didn’t know that about the Coyote and Wolf DNA… I live and learn…. Which is what I love to do.. π <3
Thanks much Sue. I agree with you, it is wonderful that there is always more things to learn throughout our lives.
π <3
Indeed! And who knew their ears were so expressive? I live and learn, too, which is what I love to do, as well π
Wonderful π
π
:):)
Fantastic shots. Coyotes can, indeed, be bold, but it’s a careful boldness.
Well said.
So good to have all those shots of handsome coyotes. But thanks for finishing off with that delightful silk moth. Does it provide silk for humans too?
So happy you enjoyed Margaret. Ceonothus moths are not raised for silk production. They do make silk cocoons, but since they are rather rare, no one that I know of harvests them.
That first fella looking a bit dishevelled. Coyote Ugly?
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Smiling…. The rain matted up his fur. I have seen these sibs multiple times. One is rangy and and the other rather handsome.
Wow! You are having wonderful experiences and sharing them with us as if we were there. Thank you!
You are so welcome Steve and I am happy you enjoyed them!
Coming from the Canadian prairies I am well aware of coyotes. These are handsome devils. Ours were a bit more mangy looking and kept their distance. That first picture is priceless.
Coyotes regulate etrus based on environmental conditions. We have had excessive rain, so the numbers are up and the packs are healthy and hungry!
If I remember well from the western novels I read in my youth coyotes were supposed to be cowards. Well, these are clearly not! π
Some can be really quite bold and challenging. We have packs of them out here and the packs are certainly something to be wary of.
Excellent coyote shots.
So appreciated Timothy. Thank you.
Coyotes are so intelligent and adaptable! π€ I love and admire them, but I also remind myself to be wary. Thank you for the close-up views of their graceful and sinewy forms! Oh, and that moth is truly stunning! π
Their mouths are huge. I had a friend who rescued wolves. Wolf jaws are even bigger, but so similar and so powerful. Coyotoes are the most incredibly adaptive wild creatures. They live in Central Park. One took the subway! π π
Theyβre so bold! Wonderful shots Cindy
Thank you Sheree & happy you enjoyed them. This new litter is definitely brazen.
Absolutely
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Bold, indeed! — Or maybe I should add ‘coyote whisperer’ to your long list of photographic talents! lol Thanks for sharing these, Cindy. π β€οΈπΊ
Thank you more for appreciating the wild ones my friend & take good care.
ππΊ
Who needs a pet dog when you have so many handsome coyotes visiting your yard?!
Smiling…. ‘Sit Spot Sit’ doesn’t work well! π
There are lots of coyotes here in rural N.M. I’ve even seen them running across the main road going through Taos, in the middle of the day! I find it heartening that there are native species of animals that actually adapt to human incursion and thrive.
Yes. It is true that we can co-exist. We live in a rural area, next to a large nature preserve. It was a steep learning curve when I first moved here 15 years ago. I moved here for just the reasons you state. I love the wild spaces and wild faces!
Hi Cindy, we have wild foxes living in our area, coyotes too and then there are the coye-wolves. Certain people are feeding them which is a big mistake. I worry about the children in our neighbourhood as well as pets. This is suburban area and we have a valley with streams running through it. Over development is forcing the wild life out into the community.
Leslie
I hear you. Human fed coyotes can be quite dangerous. We live in a rural area with thousands of empty acres around us. My 4 year old twin grandsons are here constantly and my cat Herbert lives here. We have multiple coyote packs. So I am very wary. This new litter of pups are coming through our fences daily which is new and concerning behavior. I am going to use my marine air horn next time I see them inside the fences. They don’t like the horrendous noise.
The marine air horn sounds like a good idea. Also, I know you’ll already do this, constant vigilance for your grandsons and your cat. We’ve had cats disappear here. No doubt they were lunch for the critters.
Leslie
Yes. Thank you Leslie. I stick next to them like glue when they are outside.
Great photos of the coyotes, but be careful. The ones that hang around the periphery of the Vancouver suburbs are getting very brazen.
Yes. Thank you. Very true.
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Amazing photos! Do you hear them howl at night? Mona
Yes, and I love it! The packs howl at each other, and pups that are ejected from the packs, make heartbreaking lonely howls. They remind me of the wolves in The Grand Tetons when I was a child. I don’t hear the wolves there anymore which is so sad.
Fascinating information with your usual delightful pictures
Ahh… Thank you very much Derrick & cheers my friend.
Your photos are captivating! Yes, those ears are quite something. Coyotes are so intelligent and able to adapt; they are really amazing.
They are some of the most adaptive creatures I have encountered. They live in such averse environments, from Death Valley to New York City! Amazingly resilient creatures.
wow, I especially love the coyote shots, cindy!
So pleased you do and thank you Beth!
The coyote is an interesting animal Cindy, are there ever reports of them attacking children or domestic animals or even adults? They may be like our Dingo wild dogs.
Yes, to all three. There is a website run by The University of California that keeps tracks of all encounters and attacks. It is: https://ucanr.edu/sites/CoyoteCacher/
Lately, there has been an uptick in coyote attacks in Southern California in the suburbs involving children and even leashed pets. In a recent incident, a mother, who I think was a surgeon, was unloading groceries from her car trunk. Her toddler was right behind her. The child screamed as the coyote attacked, and the mother was able to save her child. I am very aware of this as my 4 year old twin grandsons are here all the time. I watch them like a hawk! Coyotes do very much remind me of Dingos when I saw them in Australia. Like Dingos, coyotes run in packs at The Holler and we have scores of them. A surveyor told me a story about when he was working here out alone. A coyote pack spotted prey and went after it full tilt. The suveyor was in their path. He got knocked down as the pack essentially ran over him, but was unhurt. It definitely left a big impression on him!
Those coyotes sure are cute. I guess they are … wild dogs.
That Ceonothus Silk Moth is quite interesting. As I read about it first here, I’m naming it the Lilac Coyote Moth.
Lilacs are my very fave flowers. The memories their beauty and scent evoke is irreplaceable.
Thank you, Cindy!
Smiling…. I love that name! I wish I could give you an armful of wild lilacs Resa. They are blooming up a storm now due to all the rain.
Have a whiff of lilac for me! β¦
I will! π
Resa, I have the same fondness for lilacs because of the memories they evoke.
Powerful!
π
How wonderful. I am this way with night blooming jasmine which I have planted everywhere I have lived.
I’ve never seen or smelled jasmine except when I lived in Florida.
The night blooming variety is intoxicating. My daughter has planted it all around her backyard. He neighborhood should be smelling of it now.
Sounds delightful!
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Magnificent creatures! I love those first two photos, his eyes steeling into yours!!
Aren’t they remarkable, piercing eyes!
Great shots! Are these coyotes known to prey on domesticated or farm animals in your area?
Yes, even sheep. There is more buzz though about a Mountain Lion that is attacking goats and such. He/she follows the creek that runs through the edge our property. I see the tracks, but not the lion.
Whoaβ¦.! Iβm not sure which Iβd be more worried about!
I’d love to get the lion on my wildlife cam! I am setting it up.
Great plan!
Hope I get something.
Good photos. That moth must be something special to look at. I would love to see one in person sometime.
Due to the rains, there have been more this year which is a treat,
They are survivors for sure.
So adaptable and intelligent.
I would like to emulate those qualities of theirs.
Yes. Admirable.
That first coyote did seem to be going for a stare-down.
He definitely was. I need to be Alpha inside our fences.
π
Fantastic shots Cindy.
Merci beaucoup mon Ami Ute.
Vielen Dank fΓΌr diese Fotos, sonst bekomme ich die Tiere nie so nah zu sehen, wenn ΓΌberhaupt. Ein schΓΆnes Wochenende, Marie
Ich freue mich sehr, dass sie dir geschmeckt haben Marie. Vielen Dank & ein wunderschΓΆnes Wochenende.
These are wonderful. I love them. You’re so fortunate to be able to see these beautiful beings.
They are remarkable. So incredibly adaptable to so many different environments and so very intelligent. They regulate litter size in response to environmental conditions which is so remarkable when you think about it.
Once again, beautiful photos. I don’t think I’ve seen coyotes up that close before. Their eyes are quite striking.
Thank you Debra. They are definitely wild and feral eyes aren’t they!
Look at those ears! Yes indeed. Some many months back, mid-pandemic when fewer of us were about, late late one night from my small town balcony, standing still, quietly – what dog was that running wild by himself? Oh wait, shadow on shadow, look at those long pointy ears – that’s no dog. That’s a coyote. Mr. Coyote paused a moment then continue strolling down the street. In that wake, I was thrilled. Am pleased that when our eyes are closed, wild life still inhabits our world. Lucky you getting to witness so much more. Could wish I lived more in the countryside.
I know Cindy you love birds & how oft I’ve enjoyed what you show. But honest, yea, this is wonderful and thanks for sharing furry as well feathered friends. While I’m much distant, I love seeing & sharing Monterey Bay and right now the Harbor Seals beaching themselves during birthing season. New big crowd on the beach today. Not only fascinated, but I feel honored to witness. Thanks Cindy.
Beautiful Monterey. I love Harbor Seals. Such beautiful eyes and such peaceful creatures. Enjoy!
I wouldnβt be so nonchalant around these guys. Glad they sashayed off and didnβt come closer. Great shots Cindy π
Thank you Val. Very true, they are wild and require wariness.
Great photo’s Cindy, the wolves trusted you well. As did the moth, he’s a big fellow too and delightful colors πβ€οΈπ
Thanks much Mark & I am so pleased you enjoyed. Cheers to you & thank you!
Love the silk moth, it’s spectacular. Not sure I’d like a coyote hanging around my house, thinking of eating my kitty perhaps!
Yes, and my little grandsons. I am going to use a marine horn to discourage them from coming inside the fences. They really don’t like the decibels!
What a mesmerizing glimpse into your part of the world, Cindy. I don’t know which hit me harder–thinking about the tough life of the much-maligned coyotes or the mouthless moth that only lives a few days while hoping to reproduce.
What a beautiful comment Tracy with descriptors that demonstrate your sensitivity to nature and her magnificent creatures. Thank you my friend for all you do.
Thank YOU for such a kind response, Cindy. The world’s a better place for your presence.
ααα
Your shots of wolves and coyotes are amazing. I’m pleased to see the photographs. Thank you, Cindy.
Thank you for your always kind and thougtful appreciation Ranu & be well my friend.
This is a really cool post Cindy. There was a nice poetry to closing the coyote images with the moth. Beautiful beasts all!
Smiling. Thank you so much Chris. I am glad you like the creatures my friend.
I never knew they had such wonderful ears!
Like deer ears. Engineered to hear the slightest mouse scratch!
Yes – on the first photo I thought it was a deer!
Laughing…. What big teeth you little deer! π
Well – once, many years ago, I was driving from Phoenix to Tuscon (in a rented car) and had to stop on the highway for a not-in-a-hurry coyote. I was so excited – and knew what it was because of the cartoon character. The same for the road runners and woodpeckers!
Smiling. I never tire of seeing any of the three, although I prefer coyotes outside my fences! π
Such stunning and proud animals. If you put that pool of water out there for them, bless you for that. That moth is beautiful as well.
Thank you for seeing their beauty Marlene. That was water for wildlife during the drought. Thankfully, they no longer need it as our creek is running fast and full.
Interesting looking creatures π
Happy you think so June & cheers.
The silk moth is beautiful. A five inch wingspan is huge! How lucky you are to live in Lilac were they live. As to coyotes, they are now living in our neighborhoods, which is not their natural habitat. Something has changed. Remember when Yellowstone reintroduced wolves, and over a few years the changes that returned the park’s plants and water back to its original state? Apologies for going on, but I do wonder about coyotes.
Gorgeous shots, Cindy.
No apologies. I find your comments thought provoking. Coyotes are taking advantage of our disarray. They are so smart and so adaptable, especially when humans are not. I remember when wolves were originally in Yellowstone and Grand Teton, and I remember being sung to sleep at night as they howled from the mountains. I have seen the reintroduced wolves hunting elk in a pack and was thrilled beyond belief by the experience. It was about 11 years ago. Here is a post I did about it: https://cindyknoke.com/2012/09/18/the-wolves-rule-yellowstone-once-again/
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your interesting thoughts Jennie.
That was a wonderful post. I find it most interesting that the balance of nature has returned to Yellowstone, including plants and rivers. Thank you, Cindy.
It is wonderful isn’t it especially on Earth Day!
Yes!!
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This Coyote was Staring at you. He roams around in Death Valley. I love your images. Anita
It wasn’t a super friendly stare either. I have been stared at by a lot of wild animals and this wasn’t a “Hey, how are ya?” sort of stare.
Cindy you are staring at the wild animals. π
Laughing. Always!
Incredible shots, Cindy. That first coyote has such an expression on his face! It makes me think of Joey on the old Friends TV show saying “How YOU doin’?”
Hugs on the wing.
Smiling…. There was a bit of challenge thrown in there too. “Are you lookin’ at me?” Stay safe and well my friend.
So many comments on these attractive looking animals yet I have to ask, based on the pics of them drinking, if you put out water for them. As beautiful as they are, I too would not be happy with them making themselves at home in my yard with grandchildren about!
The water was in the past (read before grandkids) outside the fences during our extreme drought for all the wild animals including birds. The coyotes drank from it but respected our fences. Now we’ve had a year of intense rain and California is no longer in drought, quite the opposite. We have an abundance of water and snow pack. My guess is coyote litter size increased because of these beneficial environmental conditions. They regulate litter size based on environmental conditions. So now we have more sub-adults competing for resources, hence a few bold ones, digging under the fences. We have ways to deter them without harming them which we are employing now. As you note, I am quite concerned about my grandkids and our cat Herbert. Coyotes are wild dogs in packs. I need to let them know I am an Alpha dog and won’t tolerate trespassing. We have rattlesnakes and mountain lions too. The mountain lions are very shy around people. This sounds almost like Africa doesn’t it…. Not even close! Many ranchers are now installing electric fences though, like I saw so often in Africa.
I love his colouring-my problem I want to scratch his ears.
Smiling…. I wouldn’t adise that!! Look at those teeth and jaws! π
Love them or hate them, there’s no denying that coyotes are fascinating creatures. Like other dogs, you can almost “see” when they’re thinking. I’m worried that the Death Valley coyote may have been fed by humans before, though, since it allowed you to get so close to it.
Possibly. Although having lived amongst the packs for 15 years, I can tell you that they vary distinctly in personality. Most are shy and skittish, but the coyote in these photos was unusually bold, held his ground, wasn’t scared, and appeared healthy. Sometimes sick coyotes will come near. But this guy wasn’t sick and no humans feed them out here. They are fascinating creatures and so incredibly adaptable to so many harsh conditions. Regulating their litter size is a remarkable trait. I think there are more litters here now due to the rain.
What a gallery!
Lookers all! π
Howl you doinβ? Geeβ¦I canβt think of any howl-arious puns. Spectacular shots as always, my friend! β₯οΈ (β βα·α· α΄ βα·α· β)β₯οΈ
I think your comments were quite howlarious π
Have a happy new week!
( Β΄ β `)γο½ β₯οΈπ
α
We nearly never see the coyote that roam around nearby, but singing together
is something often heard. They love making sweet melodies at all times of the
night. We don’t see them because they prefer to stay on the other side of the tall
grass until the middle of the night when they roam anywhere they want.
Great photography Cindy. Those guys look well feed and healthy!
This litter of pups is much more bold than prior ones. I wonder if the plentiful rain upped litter size resulting in more competition for resources. Coyotes do regulate litter size in response to environmental conditions. They just started howling now! π
Loved seeing and reading about your local coyote!
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Have a peaceful week Cindy
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What beautiful – and bold – creatures! Beautiful shots, Cindy. What a short lifespan those moths have!
Thank you Dale. Maybe the moths aren’t scared of people because they know they have a short time among us. They are delightful creatures.
That might be it π They are so lovely.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Holler with us. I love your photos. Those coyotes are bold. And wow – lilac country? It must smell amazing among the lilacs. β₯.
You are so welcome Niki. I am so pleased you enjoyed, and yes, the lilacs are smelling heavenly right now.
Even though they scare me in person, I love seeing your pictures of the coyotes in their natural environment. They blend in so well. Interesting fact that some wolves share DNA with coyotes.
It is good you are scared of them. It helps keep everyone safe. I am pleased you enjoyed the photos. Thank you Mary.
Beautiful photos and a science lesson to boot! Always a pleasure to stop by! βΊοΈ
At least there is no quiz on Monday! Thank you very much Felicia.
You had the most wonderful photos, Cindy. Perfect for Earth Day 2023!
Smiling…. Happy Earth Day Rebecca & thank you.
Meravigliosa natura, densa di immagini irripetibili e davvero molto emozionanti.
Buon fine settimana e un caro saluto,silvia
Grazie mille per la tua gentile premura Silvia.
Wow. Great shots!
Thanks much Michael.
You’re most welcome, Cindy.
α
Fantastic shots, Cindy. That intense stare and those ears! We encounter coyotes in our neighborhood here in Pasadena and I keep my distance! Enjoyed this series. Happy Earth Day! ππ
I didn’t know you live in Pasadena! For some reason, I thought you lived in The Bay Area. We are nearly neighbors! Happy Earth Day.
Wow! Youβre right- lived in SF and moved during the pandemic. π
So that’s why you were in the desert.
I live in a very urban area, and we have coyotes. I admire them as wild animals (and of course, they look so much like dogs that how could I not?), but I do worry about their presence in an environment that isn’t natural for them. Plus, they’ve been known to hunt and kill small pets, which is disturbing. I think finding a way to live in peace with wildlife is going to be an increasing challenge in the future.
Yes. It is challenging. I have learned, and utilize very effective methods for deterring coyotes without harming them. That said, if people feed wild coyotes, they lose their fear of humans, making them quite dangerous. It is best when humans and coyotes are wary of each other.
Wonderful coyote photos!
So happy you enjoyed Dawn& thanks much.
Wow! Those ears and those eyes. Fantastic photos, Cindy!
So happy you enjoyed Michele & you are most welcome.
I had read about them in books and it was good to see your photos. Thank you.
So pleased you are interested Lakshmi & you are most welcome.
ππ
Fabulous shots, Cindy!
Thank you very much Eugi & cheers to you.
What a fantastic moth! We planted a couple of California Lilacs last year shame we won’t get those moths!
You very well might, depending on where you live. They are wonderful creatures. They hang out with you and are unafraid.
Not in the UK though Cindy.
Not unless they get caught in someone’s packages, which actually happened to me with a frog from Africa to Paris. They inspect everything so carefully to prevent this, but when I opened my suitcase in Paris, one of the frogs that had been in our room in South Africa hopped happily out! I opened the window and off he went in Gay Paree! A Bald Eagle actually flew to the UK too. I think he was caught in a wind draft. They flew him back British Air, probably business class! π π
Hmmmm. BOLD!
Indeed. I prefer wary.
Those coyotes would have terrified me. I shudder to think what Monkey would have done, had he come face to face with one! Still, their eyes are mesmerizing, aren’t they?
Yes. Mesmerizing and bit threatening too. Quite calculating α
Guess they’ll stick around ’til you holler at ’em. Great shots. I’ve rarely seen them and never more than one.
Tee hee hee! Thank you for making me laugh & smile Dave! π π
I had to laugh at that coyote in Death Valley that was slinking away. He looked SO much like Wile E. Coyote from the Warner Bros. cartoons!
I swear those Disney cartoonists were naturalists. Their depictions were so accurate! α
Pingback: Holler Creatures~ β – Echoes in the Mist
Gratitude for you Sharon! Thank you α
Coyotes are everywhere now, even in our neighborhood in NC. They are particularly noise in the spring, when the youngsters are migrating to new territory and cross another coyotes area. Two of them can sound like ten when they get going. Love your pictures – especially since getting a good view of them here is difficult.
They are the most adaptable creatures. They live in almost every ecosystem imaginable and they are notoriously difficult to capture on a human held camera.
This is the other side of your beautiful World in Nature and Pictures!
Yes. Indeed. We have rattlesnakes too! α
You are brave Cindy. That intimidating stare of the coyote would have had me running. We seem to have a coyote problem here in Toronto. I wonder if they came from your neck of the woods. Lol <3
They probably did come from California. All sorts of riff-raff comes from California to Canada, myself and my hubby most particularly! π π
Lolol, so funny π π
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Oooh I love those shots of the coyotes. Wonderful creatures, but also can be dangerous (especially if you have pets). We have them here in Vancouver and there are warning signs around the city including where I hike every day. I’ve seen a few over the years – always a spellbinding moment for me. They’re pretty shy here, but if we see a big pile of fur on the trail we know someone’s pet has been coyote dinner.
Alison
Yes. They are wild and wiley, not to be underestimated. Cheers to you Alison & thank you α
Wow absolutely gorgeous creatures! I see a sort of softness of curiosity in their eyes! You have amazing animals near the Holler! I am thankful they not near my house to try to chomp on my little fur kid! Tee hee! Have a super day! Your photos always delight me!
Your lovely comment delighted me as do your happy posts! Thank you Lisa & take good care α
You live in such a wonderful place, Cindy. Thank you for sharing your creatures with us!
Thank you more for appreciating them Kellye α
How interesting about coyotes and gray wolves. I had no idea. That first young guy reminds me of the large white-tailed doe who stared back at me the other day. She and several younger does decided to browse and rest outside my art room window. At first I tried not to move and startle them, but I had to get some things ready for my next class so I moved a little. She instantly saw the movement and we gazed at each other for several seconds before she decided I was okay and calmly began to graze again. Her eyes and ears were huge, too! wildlife is so fascinating!
Deers have the most soulful eyes and faces. This sounds like a peaceful and special encounter Kathy. Lovely that she trusted you. Animals tend to have a good sense of whom to trust α
We have a lot of bold coyotes living in our area as well. We have had a few small dogs killed which is too bad. They come right up to the houses and even walk down the street. A bit scary if you have a little pup.
Yes. They are worthy of serious wariness, especially aroung young children and pets α
I love to hear the yipping of coyotes in the desert. There is a group of coyote/wolf hybrids in Galveston. They are mixed with red wolf DNA.
Wow. I didn’t know that. I would love to see them α
There is quite a few videos of them on Google. I think you would have to live there to catch a glimpse.
I will check them out.
These are some incredible shots, Cindy. Coyotes have always fascinated me, and I think it is because I’ve heard so many legends about them from my friends of the Cayuse and Umatilla tribes I grew up with π
Wonderful to hear from you Randall and thank you very much. You grew up with them? In such a beautiful part of the world? Coyotes are incredible creatures. They are like ravens. They can adapt to every environment no matter how hostile. They are the epitome of survival of the fittest. They survive in Death Valley and The Bronx! Hope all is well with you and your family my friend α
Cindy! These are all amazing shots! I’m wondering who puts the blue pools of water down for these incredible guys and gals?
I love how you can see the details of his wet fur in the first two shots. How amazing you can see them from your window!
We found where he dug under our fences and blocked it off, so I am not see him so closely now, which is better for all concerned! α
Wow. Spectacular!, π€©
Grazie mille Michael α
Pure Italian. In my language (Maltese) it would be “Grazzi hafna”, π