This afternoon I stopped along Elliot Rd. (near Bob Heirman Park) to watch
19 swans in a former corn field. I was trying to get a better look when
suddenly they all stood up and looked very alertly to the north, the
opposite from my position. Then they all began to take to the air. A coyote
came into view at a full run across the field which was very open. It didn't
seem all that close enough to warrant such speed, but then later I thought
perhaps it was testing the flock to see if maybe there was a sick one that
was too slow. I was surprised as a swan seems a bit large for a coyote to
tackle. Maybe it was just goofing off and thought it would be funny to make
all the big birds fly. I was the beneficiary however because all the swans
flew low right over my head. The whooosh of their wings was one of those
wonderful birding moments.

I turned back to look at the coyote again after watching the swans and it
was Gone! I was astonished since it was only a few seconds and the edges of
the field were pretty far away. I scanned the field 3 times, and finally saw
the coyote, standing stock still. It blended in the background colors of the
field so perfectly it was impressive.

Rob Sandelin
Sky Valley Environments <http://www.nonprofitpages.com/nica/SVE.htm>
Field skills training for student naturalists
Floriferous at msn.com


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