Coyote: "Winter Encounter 2014"
What do I owe you?
(Coyote - photo by Neil Barker - December 4, 2014)
A Winter walk without expectations of experience.
Two lonely shapes move opposite one another, stop, and stare.
A new connection is created, but what is connected?
I took this photo in 2014 while living in Calgary Alberta Canada. This is my favourite encounter with Nature. I had been out walking around the neighbourhood and saw something moving in a snowy field about 30-40 yards away.
I stopped and saw this Coyote trotting away from me and up an incline. The Coyote had likely seen me earlier and was creating some distance. The Coyote then stopped and turned to watch me for 10-15 seconds.
We stood looking at one another. I remember I had no thoughts at all while watching this Coyote. I simply stood still.
It has been awhile since I met this Coyote. I have had many encounters with all kinds of wildlife while living in the provinces of Alberta and Ontario. I have never had that same feeling of no-mind.
I owe this Coyote something, but am not sure what.
This is a beautiful photo and post. I live in an area where some people unfortunately vilify them and even advertise offers to shoot any that are reported. These people think that the coyotes kill their dogs. However, why are these folks leaving their dogs outside to be available in the first place? It deeply saddens me.
So wonderful, especially the "no-mind" state you were in for those precious moments. Thanks for sharing this!