Cool Coyote

About a half-mile into the hike

I had a very interesting encounter with a curious Coyote in the outback this morning while I was bushwhacking west of Tortugas Mountain.  He was almost certainly hunting for breakfast when we bumped into each other; and though he seemed a bit leery of me he wasn't in a hurry to quickly depart.

Since we were fairly close to one another I started talking to him, saying I wanted to get a good photograph while I slowly moved into a better position to get a clear shot.  He moved slowly as well, undoubtedly interested in getting an unobstructed view of this peculiar human who had invaded his personal space.

After posing for a few photos he decided to mosey off, stopping every so often to monitor my position.  When I started waving goodbye to him I'm positive he was thinking, "Look at this asshat gesturing at me.  I won't even dignify that with a response."

Something "royal" about this Prickly Pear?

Loggerhead Shrike

This and the next:  Ladder-backed Woodpecker

This and the next 2:  Soaptree Yuccas and a Barrel Cactus

Someone's lurking behind the Ocotillo

Both of us jockey for a better look while I talk to him

That's better

Still not certain about me

Checking for an easy breakfast

This and the next:  checking me out from a distance

I'm positive he's more interested in something else

Giving me that hangdog look

Making certain I'm going

Anything of interest over there?

Prairie Wolf

This or the next?