I recently photographed a coyote at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. A few days ago, I shared a close-up shot of a coyote from this same location (see it here), but this encounter was different. This time, the coyote was out in an open field that had been fertilized with chicken litter—a draw for all kinds of wildlife.
The coyote was foraging for a meal when I spotted it, providing an excellent opportunity to photograph this predator in its natural environment. Coyotes are usually most active in the early morning or late evening, so seeing one during late morning—when I captured this shot—was unexpected.
I took the photo at 10:14 a.m. while parked on the road leading to the Moody Boat Ramp. The coyote was on the east side of the road in Trotter’s Field. To stabilize my camera, I rested my lens on a bean bag placed over my truck’s open window. Despite the harsh lighting conditions, I was able to capture clear shots.
The Fascinating Coyote
Coyotes are highly adaptable and thrive in environments ranging from forests and deserts to urban areas. They are skilled hunters, operating either alone or in packs, making them efficient and versatile predators.
Gear and Technical Details
Gear:
- Camera: Canon EOS 40D
- Lens: Canon EF500mm f/4L IS
Technical Details:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date & Time: March 1, 2009, 10:14 a.m.
- Aperture: f/7.1
- ISO: 400
- Shutter Speed: 1/1000 sec. and 1/800 sec.
- Focal Length: 500 mm
Final Thoughts
Capturing moments like these reminds me of the rich diversity in the wildlife around us. Sharing these experiences through photography is a privilege, and I’m grateful to have witnessed this coyote in action at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.