The photos that follow were taken where a natural area meets a residential area.
I've recently seen & take exception to several reports from local news media of wildlife (eg. cougars, etc.) approaching homes inaccurately in the Calgary area. In fact, many of these reported sightings are in areas between 35 to 45 kilometres from The City of Calgary. The same news reports actually name, later on in those articles, the specific towns where the sightings took place and they are in the vicinity of natural/wilderness areas close to or in the foothills of the mountains.
Now I'm assuming many of the individuals who move to these areas are looking for a refuge "in nature" from city living's hustle & bustle. However, some appear to bring their ideas of the city to the outskirts and are shocked when they encounter wildlife in their backyards. What they fail to appreciate is the fact that the wildlife is not entering their backyards but actually, we have moved into wildlife's neighbourhoods. As we continue to build more communities in these wild spaces, we push wildlife further out and into ever shrinking natural habitats.
As a wildlife photographer, I am envious of these sightings, particularly if they could be seen from the comfort of a living room. So although one might have to modify some habits (such as letting your pets out in the backyard now with supervision), I believe the rewards of watching wildlife in their natural habitat could far exceed the inconvenience.
The coyote had been close to the road that enters to the park. He/she crossed the road, did a quick reconnaissance of the area and then returned to the woods where he/she had originated.
I followed the path along where the coyote had disappeared but soon realized that with the thickness of fir trees, location was going to be difficult.
But then I heard the magpies close-by, followed the sound and yep, there was the coyote hunting in the clearing along the fence line. I actually like magpies. I once heard them referred to as "Alberta Parrots" as they are quite colourful. And yes, they can be very chatty but I use magpies as my "C.I.'s" or Confidential Informants. They like to follow coyotes looking for a chance of a free meal (albeit leftovers) and they are not shy of a quick peck with their beaks either for a tease or protection of a nest.
I find Photo #2 particularly amusing as it appears as if the magpie in the left corner of the photo is trying to move away as discreetly as possible, with a nonchalant attitude of "Wasn't me that informed on you".
PHOTO #1
PHOTO #2
PHOTO #3
PHOTO #4
PHOTO #5