I love hearing the lonely howl of a coyote; especially under a star-filled, night sky. Coyotes are a common sight in the open pastures. I see them almost as often as I see the local moose.

On the drive to work yesterday I saw a coyote move from one pasture to the other, crossing the range road in front of me. Its thick coat blended in with the coloring of the tall grass along the fence line.

As I stopped to watch, it glanced up at me but got distracted. I could tell there was a tasty morsel in the grass because the coyote cocked its head and pounced. It came out with a mouthful. Breakfast was served.

I was lucky to observe a coyote in action up close. A couple of years ago a lone coyote would hunt in the tall grass alongside the parkway that runs through Elk Island Park. It would move through the ditch, stop, listen, pounce and eat. What a great experience it was to watch it up close in action.

There are so many opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. I often wonder why people do not take advantage of them more often.

More photos at https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-an-Outdoor-Girl-1015659961820012/