Dos Coyotes

Part of Las Cruces with Picacho Peak

Becca and I did a moderately long hike west of Tortugas Mountain this morning, and at the far point we encountered two coyotes--male and female--who were obviously together.  We were fairly distant from them so they were patently unconcerned about our presence.  Frankly they've been unconcerned about our proximity even when we were much closer to them during at least once recent encounter.

The male is noticeably larger; my guess is they're mates since they seem to stay together.  Because this is mating season they may be waiting for the female to give birth to a litter, though she doesn't look pregnant.  They were both relaxing in the warm sunshine, soaking up rays, alternating between catching some shuteye and watching Becca and me.  While I was photographing them I wondered what their reaction would be if Becca and I approached a bit closer, but they seemed so content in the sunshine that I didn't want to disturb them.

Much better day than yesterday

Bishop Cap on the horizon

Yucca in foreground blooming

At times it's hard to tell what Becca has spotted

Fooled you!

Loggerhead Shrike

Lazing in the morning sun

Why hello, Becca

This and the next 3 are the female Coyote

This and the next:  the male

Female again

The male