I wrote this last October, right after this event took place, so a couple caveats for you.
First, I write of kit foxes here. I assumed, at the time, the animals howling with us were kitfoxes since I had seen their dens in the area. On further contemplation, I realized the animals we were "hanging out with" were actually... coyotes.
So - read on... and perhaps I am meant to write more about this experience... and the photo? It is a self portrait of me... in the full moon that night. Such a precious night.
I am still processing this moment. I just need to share it, so incredible.
Last night it was the full moon, so my friend Coryn and I met in a River bed (there is no water there, it is very dry here and there was not enough water this past winter to keep the water flowing). We meet there occasionally during full moons in order to "Howl at the moon."
Here, in Bakersfield, there is a species of fox, called the San Joaquin Kit Fox. They are endangered... also in the dog family but smaller than the coyote with a different yet just as soulful howl. I don't hear it very often and I consider it a blessing when I do get to hear it.
Last night was extra special.
At one point in the evening a kit fox started howling and Coryn wondered if she could speak kit fox. She could do chihuahua, we knew this, but kit fox? Why not try?
It turns out Coryn speaks fluent kit fox. I was certainly impressed, having never attempted to speak kit fox myself.
They sang back and forth several times and we laughed and laughed... and otherwise sat and talked... and drank wine and ate some munchies... and reclined on the sand. I even brought a blanket this time... and it was getting close to one a.m and time to go so I had to take some photos.
It is practically a rule for me to take photos out there.
I was having a joyful moment and laughing unabashedly and there, heard… the howl. Coryn and I gasped and went silent. The kit fox was apparently attracted to something - the tinkling of Coryn's belly dancing belt? Our giddy laughter.
I don't know what it was, but Coryn encouraged me.
I howled back, this time, not laughing but howling. Imitating the Kit Fox call.
She howled back at me.
Coryn and I looked at each other, amazed, our eyes got bigger than saucers and we giggled hysterically and I howled back. And she, the kit fox, howled back, and came closer. We looked into the darkness and we couldn't see her.
I howled. She retreated and howled.
I howled. She came into the river, across it… and so close to us. Respectful, honoring, watching us in wonder as we watched her in wonder.
Right in the middle of Bakersfield, slightly past midnight and into today.
I am still almost speechless about it. I want to share the story with everyone. I have never had such an incredible experience with wildlife... and it happened right here.... not in Yosemite, not at the beach, not in a big national forest but right here. In the city where I live, on an "ordinary" night with my friend, sitting under a full moon.
Wow.
So happy. peaceful and grateful today.
A world apart, yet connected.
First, I write of kit foxes here. I assumed, at the time, the animals howling with us were kitfoxes since I had seen their dens in the area. On further contemplation, I realized the animals we were "hanging out with" were actually... coyotes.
So - read on... and perhaps I am meant to write more about this experience... and the photo? It is a self portrait of me... in the full moon that night. Such a precious night.
I am still processing this moment. I just need to share it, so incredible.
Last night it was the full moon, so my friend Coryn and I met in a River bed (there is no water there, it is very dry here and there was not enough water this past winter to keep the water flowing). We meet there occasionally during full moons in order to "Howl at the moon."
Here, in Bakersfield, there is a species of fox, called the San Joaquin Kit Fox. They are endangered... also in the dog family but smaller than the coyote with a different yet just as soulful howl. I don't hear it very often and I consider it a blessing when I do get to hear it.
Last night was extra special.
At one point in the evening a kit fox started howling and Coryn wondered if she could speak kit fox. She could do chihuahua, we knew this, but kit fox? Why not try?
It turns out Coryn speaks fluent kit fox. I was certainly impressed, having never attempted to speak kit fox myself.
They sang back and forth several times and we laughed and laughed... and otherwise sat and talked... and drank wine and ate some munchies... and reclined on the sand. I even brought a blanket this time... and it was getting close to one a.m and time to go so I had to take some photos.
It is practically a rule for me to take photos out there.
I was having a joyful moment and laughing unabashedly and there, heard… the howl. Coryn and I gasped and went silent. The kit fox was apparently attracted to something - the tinkling of Coryn's belly dancing belt? Our giddy laughter.
I don't know what it was, but Coryn encouraged me.
I howled back, this time, not laughing but howling. Imitating the Kit Fox call.
She howled back at me.
Coryn and I looked at each other, amazed, our eyes got bigger than saucers and we giggled hysterically and I howled back. And she, the kit fox, howled back, and came closer. We looked into the darkness and we couldn't see her.
I howled. She retreated and howled.
I howled. She came into the river, across it… and so close to us. Respectful, honoring, watching us in wonder as we watched her in wonder.
Right in the middle of Bakersfield, slightly past midnight and into today.
I am still almost speechless about it. I want to share the story with everyone. I have never had such an incredible experience with wildlife... and it happened right here.... not in Yosemite, not at the beach, not in a big national forest but right here. In the city where I live, on an "ordinary" night with my friend, sitting under a full moon.
Wow.
So happy. peaceful and grateful today.
A world apart, yet connected.
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