coyotes

Coyotes – ND #60

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Not coyote bait tonight (Cletus) – Photo: L. Weikel

Coyotes

Just the other day, Karl and I marveled at the number of times random people brought up coyotes in casual conversation lately. Seriously. And the references have been eerily similar: “Watch your small animals. Coyotes are close.”

If we were in Arizona or New Mexico it would be one thing. But here we are, living in a suburb, if rural, (is there even such a thing as a rural suburb?) of Philadelphia.

When I was growing up, we never heard coyotes. I’m pretty sure they didn’t live in Pennsylvania – or if they did, I’m virtually certain they didn’t live in eastern PA. I distinctly remember being in my 30s before hearing my first coyotes, and we were in New Mexico at the time.

Probably wouldn’t mind a snack, but not a scratchy one

Things Change

Luckily for coyotes, like eagles and hawks, they seem to be making a huge resurgence into our area. This brief video report states that they’re now located in all 67 counties of the commonwealth. And a bit unsettlingly, it sounds like the coyotes that migrated here from out west over the years engaged in some ‘layovers’ (and illicit dalliances) with wolves along the way. Genetically speaking, at least some of the coyotes that are establishing populations here in Pennsylvania are part wolf, too.

I first mentioned coyotes in this post, back in 2019. And I’ve occasionally encountered them howling in the distance while out stargazing.

But over the past several weeks, mostly since the new year, we’ve heard their eerie howls echoing off the steep cliffs lining the Tohickon at least half a dozen times. One time was particularly humorous, because they were echoing and mimicking the wail of the firehouse siren a few miles away.

Coyote – Photo: Wikipedia

 

Past Two Weeks

But over the past two weeks, we’ve had at least four conversations with neighbors or hunters in the area. Everyone is starting to notice them.

Karl and I thought it seemed a bit over the top to hear people warn us to be careful of our animals. They made their comments with knowing glances toward the pups. I have to admit, I couldn’t imagine a coyote threatening Pacha or Brutus. Why would they go after them when there are so many deer and other wild animals around? Game that’s not attached by a long cord to a human seems a lot more desirable.

But you know what? Karl just came inside after taking Brutus out for a quick refresher. When he came in, he looked spooked. He heard coyotes in the field quite close, he said. They were howling and carrying on.

And while the ‘call of the wild’ didn’t seem to perturb Brutus in the least, we both decided to keep Cletus inside tonight. There’ve been too many random people telling us to protect our babies to turn a deaf ear to the warnings.

Weird.

(T+60)

Thanksgiving – Day 1110

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Pacha’s Cone of Protection – Photo: L. Weikel

Thanksgiving

I’ve started and deleted this Thanksgiving post so many times, I’ve lost count. Having snagged only four hours of sleep last night and then wedged in a five hour round trip holiday visit, I’ve also dozed off between attempts write something meaningful. Alas, even these simple introductory sentences deserve to meet the same fate as their predecessors: to be deleted and rewritten. Nothing I write feels right tonight.

There’s so much I want to say, and at the same time, it just all feels heavy. Or said already. And you know how sometimes you can say something too many times and the magic just goes up in a puff of smoke? I guess I’m facing one of those moments.

Thanksgiving Bluebird – Photo: L. Weikel

In Spite of Everything

Yes, I started this day on only four hours of sleep. That’s a big contributor to my current state of fogginess. It’s catching up to me. But in spite of everything, Karl and I still managed to embrace the day’s sunshine and balmy temperatures to fit in a walk-about – our four mile sojourn through local hill and dale. This was a special treat because Karl hasn’t been able to walk with me as much over the past several months.

But today he did. And for that, I’m grateful.

Watchers – Photo: L. Weikel

So Many Witnesses

It almost felt as though we were in a Thanksgiving Day parade. Our walk was lined with local fauna stepping up and waving to us as we passed by. So many of the creatures about whom I’ve written in these past 1109 posts seemed to show up – or in some cases, simply let their voices ring out in greeting.

First was a bluebird, so strikingly beautiful in the late afternoon sunshine.

The pups had their first encounter with the Hounds of the Baskervilles – which left them a bit trembly, even though Pacha had a cone of protection.

A pileated woodpecker called out to us incessantly and flew alongside us from tree to tree as we climbed a steep hill. On the other side of the road, a herd of deer monitored our progress navigating the hill and conversing with the massive woodpecker.

About a mile later, coyotes howled in the bowels of High Rocks while a Great Horned owl’s hooting added another layer to the message.

Gratitude

The very fact that I can write about all these creatures sharing in and contributing to our walk  on this gorgeous November day (and having Karl to share it as well) gives me more to be grateful for than I can ever express.

Another exquisite sunset – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-1)

New Tool – Day 612

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Exotic laying tool – Photo: theneedlepointer.com

New Tool

I admit it. I still haven’t seen Comet Neowise yet. But I did follow through on my promise last night to figure out how to post a video to YouTube – and I met with success! Thus have I added a new tool to my communication arsenal.

Not to say there aren’t still a few hitches to my giddyap. For instance, the video that accompanies the sounds (which are really what I wanted to share) is sideways. I tried a bunch of times to edit it this afternoon, but I got frustrated and decided to call it a win – albeit partial.

I’m thinking I may need to edit the video on my phone before uploading it. I thought I’d be able to edit it once it ‘up,’ but that seems not to be the case. I may or may not monkey with it a little more. For now, I’m just psyched you can hear the wild ones from last night.

But the upshot here is: try this link! See if I succeeded in uploading the video and whether you can hear the coyotes serenading the comet.

One Other Thing

It’s July 15, 2020. I’m finding it difficult to wrap my head around that fact, which is why I’m mentioning it here. I have a feeling I’m not alone in this surreal limbo we’re calling life.

I just want to tell all of you taking the time to read my posts, whether you do every day or just randomly, how much I appreciate you.

While I know I read far too much on my phone and laptop (meaning the incessant cascade of articles, etc., that bombard us every day), I find myself having little patience with those items. It’s easy to click on and even easier to click off.

So if you stick with me and read my posts, thank you. That simple act helps me feel like I’m not alone in this craziness. It really is true: we’re all in this together, and supporting each other matters.

(T-499)