I was driving the auto tour road at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma when I spotted a coyote. I stopped my pickup and began photographing this coyote. I had my camera and lens resting on a beanbag draped over the open window. As I was photographing the coyote, it alerted on something in the tall weeds, and then it jumped up into the air, pouncing on whatever it had seen. It missed whatever it was after. As you can see in my photo, I caught the coyote at the peak of the pounce.
Coyotes are known for their hunting skills. They are able to pounce on their prey with great accuracy and speed. This is due to their keen sense of hearing and sight, as well as their powerful muscles and sharp claws. Coyotes typically hunt small mammals, such as rodents, rabbits, and ground squirrels. They will also eat larger animals, such as deer and elk, if the opportunity arises.
Pouncing is a hunting technique that coyotes use to catch their prey. They will typically stalk their prey until they are within striking distance, and then they will pounce. The coyote will use its powerful legs and claws to bring down its prey, and then it will kill it with a bite to the neck or head.
The coyote in my photo is a young animal. Young coyotes are still learning how to hunt, and they often miss their prey. As the coyote gets older, it will become more experienced and accurate in its hunting.
I was lucky to be able to witness this coyote pouncing on its prey. It was an amazing sight to see, and I was able to capture it on camera. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with you.
As I continue my journey as a wildlife photographer, moments like these serve as a profound reminder of the magic that unfolds when we immerse ourselves in the natural world. The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge has proven to be a treasure trove of unique encounters, and I eagerly look forward to discovering more captivating stories through my lens.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 800 mm F11
Technical:
- Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: May 18, 2023 (07:21 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11
- Shutter speed: 1/1000
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Exp. Comp.: 0
- Focal Length: 800 mm
Beautiful shot. Amazing nature most of us never have the opportunity to see. Thank you
The pouncing Coyote is spectacular.