08/03/2004: "Coyotes"

Some fascinating facts about a creature I was lucky enough to see in San Jose about a week ago. He was minding his own business across the street from the lounge, blending in quite well to the golden grasses that cover the hill. Bear wanted to play with him but I kept him out of the way so as to not disturb. He wasn't very large but he didn't look starved either. He was alone, and though often times they are found in groups if you have ever heard them cry in person, it is the loneliest sound, EVER. So spooky and laden with burdens sounding. They always seem to come and be heard when my own mood is sorrowful. I can count the times I have heard them and all of them were times of deep emotional thought, sorrow or mourning. I looked to see if I could find a Native American fable that exisits already about the Coyote coming to take others saddness, but wans't lucky in discovering a single anecdote. I did however find some fables that are quite brutal and contrary to the sterotype of the Coyote being a trickster and a clever creature, many of the ones I found held him in a stupid and evil light....

The Coyote and the Fawns

The Coyote and the Quail


In addition to the coyote and the numerous quail, deer, and hawks resident (permenant or otherwise) have spotted Kites (not the man made ones) and a King snake which if it was laying it's eggs, should be hatching next week according to the snake books. No eggs have been spotted but the timing was right. No west nile virus spotted ( but that could be becuase the fountain has been dry for almost a month now due to a bust pump and so we aren't really a breeding groud as much as ususal.

Enjoy your nature filled day, watch out for Mountain Lions and get out there and enjoy the nice California weather!