Coyote

I can always tell when there's SOMETHING out there.  It could be an elk, a fawn, a truck driving down our long driveway, but in this case.... it was a coyote.  First, Wynter's head goes up... soon followed by Journey's- ears pricked forward, tense concentration. Finally, Dakota will lift her head and start walking toward whatever is catching everyone's attention. Wynter, and Journey follow close on her heels.

This time it was just a little guy (or gal) trying it's luck in our field of (what I call) prairie dogs (and are more accurately labeled  Colombian Ground Squirrels).  We have TONS of these little creatures- which are extremely cute, and extremely detrimental to the mares because of the holes they dig EVERYWHERE.

Anyway... this coyote was looking for lunch.

The mares quickly dismissed it as being "just another dog" and went back to grazing.

Because it wasn't having any luck catching a meal, and probably because it noticed this woman, with an odd black contraption held up to her face, stalking, stealthily closer and closer, the coyote trotted off.  As long as he doesn't eat my chickens, bunnies or my cats, he's welcome in our little haven.