Northern Illinois | 2/14/2020 2:48 pm Local Time | Fair Skies 15°F Light Winds
In Search of Snowbirds | Coyote Running This Coyote was probably tracking a vole in this area. In the winter, voles make up a good portion of a coyote’s diet. Coyotes are very good at finding the voles. They can hear them in their underground burrows. Notice his shadow against the snow helps give the image perspective.
The Back Story What was I doing capturing images on Valentines Day? Took my daily walkabout early to celebrate later. Actually, I had not noticed the coyote until he jumped and started running. He must not like people all that much. My Nikon 1 V3 with the 70-300mm (810mm after crop factor) lens was ready. I quickly raised it to my eye and simultaneously squatted down to get to coyote eye level and clicked the “on” switch. Then, with a quick burst of clicks, the coyote was gone out of sight.
Quick Facts…
| Coyote Running…Long,coarse fur grizzled buff above & whitish below, legs reddish. | |
| Habitat | Almost anywhere; plains, forests, mountains, deserts, tropical climates, cities |
| Range | Year around in Illinois |
| Nest | Dens consist a hollowed-out tree stump, rock outcrop, existing burrow or hole. |
| Diet | Omnivore eats almost anything; rabbits, rodents, fish, deer, insects, snakes, fruits…pets. |
| Behavior | Good hunters. Have sharp vision, strong sense of smell & run 40 mph. Will hunt in packs. |
| Size | Length: 32 – 37 in Tail: 16 in | Weight: 20 to 50 lb |
