Coyote Dump

We have often seen a few coyotes at our dump, but the other evening we were with friends and none of us had ever seen so many coyotes at one time---they were everywhere. But, we had no camera.

A few evenings later we returned to the dump armed with cameras----not as many coyotes, but there were lots. We really wanted to capture the size of the groups, but that did not work well---here is a small group



So once at home, I decided to do some cropping and focus on some individual expressions of these amazing adaptable creatures.

Posing for the next Westminster Dog show



I am watching you!




Looking rather intimidating



Showing off my really big ear as I walk away



Are they gone yet?



I don't think so--maybe if I look real coy they will go away.



I am out of here



OH, no this makes me sad



What's the problem?



Why does no one ever take a picture of me.




The back road back to town is a little rough in places



And such beautiful canyons for a dump--even through a dirty windshield.



Thank you for looking!



[Edited on 7-10-2010 by DianaT]

THANKS for the nice comments. I think coyotes are very cool---they are so adaptable ---just amazing creatures.

I think my favorite is the one right before the two that are having a squabble. That one just looks so sweet and gentle---OK, probably not the case, but it sure looks that way to me.

We found one of their trails down into one of the arroyos---will post that later as it is on the other computer.

Friends from Bahia de Los Angeles said the trip to the dump was a real highlight of their visit here---donkeys, lizards, and a thousand coyotes. Good thing they enjoy the same sort of strange side trips we do.

Thanks again---oh, these big eared desert coyotes are smaller than ones we have seen in the mountains.

Diana

[Edited on 7-10-2010 by DianaT]

How Lovely Diane!! I am the lone coyote lover around these parts I find them fascinating and beautiful as well. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photographs.

Those coyotes look pretty healthy to me, Diane.
From my work with wolves I'd say what might appear to be mange is, at this time of year, more likely their summer 'molt'... shedding of the soft thick under-layer of hair. Looks awful when it is happening, but I'm sure the critter feels a lot better afterward.

It's neat to see all those coyotes in one spot. Must serve primo entrees at your dump.
Thanks for the pix.

nena

Camping near the beach south of
asuncion approx 10miles there were coyotes all around us ! We hardly slept as our dog was on high alert! With some knowledge of coyotes , we keep our Lab tied up! No tricks! In the morning they were on the beach! Never seen that but was told that part of their adaptive skills include drinking seawater?? Seafood? Fresh Sushi! It's a wild, desolate coastline!! Tio

Thank You

Again, thanks for the nice comments---and it is good to know that others appreciate these amazing creatures, even if some of the urban ones sometimes snatch a pet or two. My son in Oceanside lost two pet cats.

Most of the coyotes we have seen in the past have been single animals or in small family groups. The groups at the dump were larger and because they are territorial, we could not believe that there were that many packs in one area! It really is difficult to believe unless one sees it. There had to be at least 100 coyotes. It was amazing.

But the food supply there has to be great----lots of small rodents in that dump and to keep up their fish oil levels, we saw some with fish remains hanging out of their mouths.
They will eat so many different things and require little water.

Nena, they came in many sizes and some were obviously smaller and younger, but no REAL small pups. Their coloring also varied.

The dump is surrounded by many canyons and that is probably what they call home.

Here is John starting just a little ways down one of the arroyos on one of the animal trails. If you look real hard, you can see a coyote watching him.



This is one of the many animal trails leading deep into the canyon---if you look real close, you can see a coyote way far down on the trail



And here is one way far away looking back at John



And for any of you who love the spiritual side of coyotes, and have a very open mind regarding religion, I HIGHLY recommend a small, easy to read, very entertaining, and very thought provoking book written by a Unitarian Minister from Santa Fe New Mexico.

It is called God's Dog: Conversation With Coyote by
Webster Kitchell---there are more than one, and are among my all time favorite books.

God's Dog: Conversation with Coyote

Happy Howling!

As a side note, some of the coyotes in this area have become a problem for the pronghorns that are in the wild----a part of the natural cycle, but there need to be more pronghorns to keep the balance.

I loved "Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver. It's a beautiful story steeped with the awe of nature. The sub plot of the coyote family is what made me start to really appreciate them