In my previous post, “Bald Eagle Chasing The Moon,” I mentioned the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge being closed due to wild hog control. As soon as it reopened, I headed straight there, eager to photograph some wildlife. I also had a plan brewing for the following day.
The plan? Follow the vultures! My idea was to locate where the birds were circling carcasses and set up nearby, hoping to capture whatever scavenged the remains.
Sure enough, I spotted a large group of vultures circling an area far off the road, on the edge of a field. I hiked partway there and identified a perfect spot to hide and photograph – assuming the wind cooperated. Luckily, the next morning (March 19th, 2024) at sunrise, the wind direction was ideal!
Camo on, stool in hand, I nestled myself against thick brush and waited patiently. Vultures dominated the scene, circling overhead. The wait wasn’t long before a coyote emerged from the woods, cautiously scanning its surroundings. Thankfully, it missed me! Soon after, another one entered the field, yawning and settling down to watch the vultures – quite the surprise!
For a while, the first coyote enjoyed a meal, while the second one offered some entertainment with its impressive yawn and relaxed posture. Eventually, both coyotes headed towards the road, leaving me alone with the watchful vultures. But the show wasn’t over yet! A few minutes later, the vultures took flight, and a third coyote cautiously entered the area. Unfortunately, it followed its predecessors and left in the same direction.
Nearly two hours I spent at this spot, witnessing three coyotes instead of the one I initially planned for. My plan, with a little help from the vultures, worked better than I ever imagined!
Here’s what played a key role in my success:
- Scent Control: Ensuring the wind carried my scent away from the field was crucial.
- Camouflage and Cover: Blending in with the environment using camo and remaining hidden by brush helped break up my outline.
- Staying Still: Coyotes have incredible eyesight and an exceptional sense of smell. Staying perfectly still likely made all the difference in going unnoticed.
I’m incredibly happy that my efforts paid off and these amazing creatures remained oblivious to my presence. It was a rewarding experience that proves patience and a well-thought-out plan can lead to some truly unforgettable wildlife encounters.