Hello everyone! Trying to get ahead of the posting curve as it looks like we might be heading back out for an extended period of time in the proverbial field. If plans work out it will be later this month – cautiously trying to not jinx us as we had some very difficult times trying to get to places towards the end of last year. Unexpected family situations and a bout with Covid threw those plans right into the dumpster. More on that as we electric slide closer to those dates. In the meantime I have some topics in my queue and there are several in Brad’s queue I want to get to before then. He will be traveling as well, so doing my best to get everything timed out correctly. To keep things rolling, here’s a series I took back in January 2022 (essentially yesterday for those of us here at Intrigued ha).
As you can hopefully make out from this distant shot, today’s feature has fur instead of feathers. Hit the jump to learn more about this rather big eared creature that showed up while I was hunting for Clapper Rails.
For a bit of background, Linda and I were making our annual visit to Galveston Island State Park. To be honest, the targets were starting to getting pretty slim there likely scared off by all the construction. The campground areas were being renovated after being damaged by the hurricane that passed through there a few years back. The shore side was completely closed down and they only had a few sites still available on the other side of the road – which is really the main part of the park. We opted to stay at a nearby RV resort instead and made our way over there to search for Average Year checks (link here).
Based on our numerous visits there, we’ve come to expect to tick off three key species. The Loggerhead Shrike (link here), consistently hangs out along the entry road. Not a rare bird down there by any means, but I like to get that checked off early as they can be a bit skittish and have a bad habit of taking flight whenever I jump out of the vehicle to get a snap. Another key get there is the White-Tailed Kite (link here). There always seems to be a pair hunting the open fields and unlike the Shrike, allow me to walk up and down the entry road getting good shots of their hunting prowess.
Then there is the Clapper Rail. I do have a relief valve when it comes this particular species as Ron and I can usually find one at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center – problem is, those shots are usually from a higher plane as we are limited by the boardwalks there. Just realized when looking for the link that I haven’t posted my Galveston encounters with the Clapper – need to take care of that, in the meantime, here is the link to an SPI encounter – link here). Getting a bit off track here, but to sum it up, I have found one of the best places to get ground level pictures of a Clapper Rail is on the Clapper Rail trail at this state park and that is exactly where I was when I spotted this Coyote staring at me from afar (see first shot).
I already had made plenty of clicks on the Rail that was once again hanging out on the banks of the inlet and decided to investigate why this unexpected visitor was eyeballing me. Slowly moved closer trying to let the tall grass conceal me as much as possible – it knew I was there, but no need to cause it any more concern than I already had. Eventually it lost interest in me and proceeded along the bar – think the water was lower than usual as I don’t recall this stone area being there in previous years.
Eventually made it to a point where I had a good view of the area. Did some quick scans expecting to see some unsuspecting duck or maybe a Snowy Egret too engrossed in splashing the water with its yellow galoshes to sense the oncoming danger. Nope, nada, nothing of the sorts. My piqued curiosity was quickly answered when the Coyote grabbed a fish carcass off the rocks. At the time I couldn’t tell how picked over the prize was until I saw all the bones in the digital darkroom. The Coyote didn’t look malnourished, but it was definitely pleased with the find regardless of the condition.
I continued watching and clicking from my partially concealed location for a few more minutes when things turned more aggressive. First thought was it realized I had cut the original distance and this change in temper was directed at me. It was going to have to get wet to cause harm – based on my lengthy experiences with these creatures (they are abundant in our surrounding woods), that tends to be a ways down the list of situational options. Apparently what I couldn’t see was a Cormorant or some other large bird below the field of vision on my side of the water.
The Coyote started getting mouthy which flushed the bird from its location. Not exactly sure what the bird was as I staying focused on the Coyote that was following the bird’s egress – this time with the deadly weapons on full display.
Smart bird, took a safe route out and never came back. Threat neutralized, the Coyote returned to its “Precious”, gathered it up. Now you can see how clean the bones were – on closer look, this may be a bird’s rib cage and not a fish spine – hard to tell for sure. If there had been any thought of getting a bit closer, that was now nixed witnessing the pearly white fangs. At this point my brain also decided it was time to remind me they are “pack” animals.
Glanced about, didn’t notice any den friends – not that they would likely risk confrontation outside of a mother protecting her cubs. It was time to say goodbye and check out the Belted Kingfisher that had been rattling back where the Rail was.
As an update, we didn’t see any Coyotes on our recent visit. I didn’t bother taking that trail this year as I already had the Rail checked a few days before while on South Padre Island (we reversed our usual travel direction).
Take care all, you will probably hear from Brad next, so stay tuned.
Wildlife Intrigued 
Great photos of the coyote! I’ve seen them from a distance and know to keep my distance, but these are scary 🙂
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Thank you! For the most part the Coyotes will try to avoid any confrontation with humans on a normal encounter, but you never know what state they might be in, maybe they had a bad day at work or tied one on a bit late the night before which might impair their judgement and do something stupid – always best to be prepared and carry big glass ha. Appreciate you stopping by and joining the conversation.
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That’s a sad looking coyote gnawing on a fish carcass. I guess hes getting some calcium.
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Yeah, that was the part that was a bit unsettling as it clearly has been eating okay, but yet was guarding what little there was on that carcass like its life depended on it. You are probably right, its doctor probably suggested he increase his calcium for stronger teeth and bones.
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It was a fine find and he was holding onto it. A domestic dog would simply roll in it and then jump on the couch with you.
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Good point, I can imagine our youngest also sneaking it into the house so he could get some extra rolls when weren’t looking.. specifically right after getting his bath – the domestication process seems to have introduced some stupid (or spiteful) genes into the mix.
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One nice thing about clean kitties. Unless they are sprayed by a skunk.
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Normally coyotes are more scared of us then we are of them. Unless there’s a pack nearby. They’d have been circling in the tall grass. Or looking for photographers with much smaller lenses.
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Agreed. At least the ones around our parts will avoid if at all possible, maybe they are more aggressive down there or there are less ARs down there to keep the bolder ones in check. Hmm, Ron has smaller glass, another good reason to keep him around on my birding trips hehehehe. Thanks for dropping in and good luck on your upcoming trip – looking forward to new posts!
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TY. We should arrive tomorrow. Just saw a bear crossing sign. Hmmm
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Be sure and keep your monopod handy ha!
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Oh it is. I figure it gives me six feet of club to use. After I carefully remove the camera of course.
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Nice encounter, good shots 👍👍
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Thank you Ted. Its preoccupation with whatever was in the weeds in front of me provided me the chance to get into a good position. Typically they catch eye/wind of me approaching and skedaddle out of there before I can get decent shots. Appreciate you dropping in.
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Forgot to comment on the very nice use of the background to make the coyote pop in the photos. It really feels like the coyote was isolated both in the photo and in real life; only a thin spit of land for attack or escape.
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Thank you for noticing Brad. I actually spent a deliberate amount of time to get the angle right so the Coyote stayed withing the water band rather that getting lost in the greyer/browner weed band higher in the background. Maybe watching all those tutorial are helping ha.
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How close were the gators and snakes in back of you?
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Ummm, hmmmm, I prefer not to think about that…wait.. I do know for a fact there were no snakes, nada, zero, never was, never will be any, ever – shhhhhhh, we can talk more about that once Linda is out of earshot.
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That’s a very nice series of photographs documenting your encounter. We’re seeing more Coyotes in city parks lately as they’ve discovered food is relatively easy to come by. One reason they aren’t often reported was summed up last week by a nice lady nearby who said: “I wish there weren’t so many stray dogs here lately.”
Big, lanky, strong “stray dog”! A “Song Dog”.
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Appreciate it Wally! There’s a Far Side comic panel in that stray dog story for sure – hope she never tries to pet one of them. The problem out here in the country is keeping them away from the pets – our toy Poodles do not get to go out alone at night (not to mention the Owl threats). Neighbor has a invisible dog fence – looked out one day and one Coyote was trying to draw his Collie over it and into the treeline – then he looked far to the left and then to left right and noticed two more Coyotes waiting in the wings, no idea how many more waiting in the trees. Seems like they are always evolving. Take care and thanks for checking in.
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Delightful post, Brian. I loved the photos and narration. The coyote is fascinating! Enjoy your trip! happy Valentine’s Day! ❤
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Thank you Cheryl, they are amazing creatures …although best viewed at a distance ha. We are getting excited about the trip – fingers crossed, we haven’t had the best luck getting this trip in, thankfully we had the trip insurance so we get to try it again. Happy be-lated Valentine’s Day to you as well – been so busy around her I’m ridiculously late responding to all these kind comments.
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What a special encounter! I grew up on the plains of Colorado, so these are familiar friends. I have been certain that coyotes must be out in the tall marsh grass, but have never seen one. Glad you’ve confirmed, and you can bet I’ll keep my eyes peeled for them!
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I am sure you have had many encounters with the Coyotes in Colorado, although not sure if there were Wolves taking up residence in your parts, they will clear out most of these food competitors rather quickly if they do. They are assuredly in the tall grass down there – suspect they will keep their distance if they catch wind of you. Pretty sure this one would have high-“tailed” it out of there if it had spotted me moving in on it – thankfully there was a bird to keep it preoccupied ha. Take care and thanks for dropping in Sam.
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Awesome shots, how fun to see that 🙂
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Thank you Sandra – hope your travels continue to be fun and safe! We head back out west for a quick trip coming up in a few weeks and then we head back down to the Gulf Shores for this year’s migration.
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Well, we might see you down at the gulf. 😉
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Stupende immagini della natura, molto gradite e apprezzate.
Cari saluti
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Thank you Silvia for the kind words. I always enjoy my encounters with nature and glad I could share them with you. Appreciate you coming by and joining the conversation.
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Prego,è stato un vero piacere poter apprezzare belle immagini della natura
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Two coyotes take down a deer – Ketchum, Idaho
https://hitchhikeamerica.wordpress.com/2023/03/02/two-coyotes-take-down-a-deer-ketchum-idaho/
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Interesting, I do know that the hungrier they get the bolder they get. When they start pulling out of the woods and moving closer to the house (and our Toy Poodles), I know there is some desperation going on. Thanks for dropping by and sharing.
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