Picturing Coyote Valley Photo Contest Winners

As a part of the in-progress Coyote Valley Conservation Areas Master Plan (CVCAMP) we asked community members to submit photos* that reveal the many unique aspects of this important conservation landscape’s open spaces. 

Keep scrolling to view the winners of our first photo contest, Picturing Coyote Valley.

Title: Bald Eagle by the Coyote Creek Parkway north of Anderson Lake County Park

Description:  I was riding my bike on the Coyote Creek Trail. Just north of the Model Aircraft Skypark, I saw this bald eagle perched in a tree near a pond. I also noticed the moon was out. I moved around until I could get the moon in the background, then zoomed in with my telephoto and got this shot. I have seen bald eagles in and near the Coyote Valley before, but they've been too far away to get a good shot. This time I got lucky.

Title: Coyote, Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve
Description: Coyote surveys its territory at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve.

Title: Ladies and gentlemen next up is Bee and the Poppies! Bringing you pollen like nothing before!
Description: If you grew up in (almost) any part of California then I hope the sight of poppies brings you that feeling of home.

Title: Tree at Coyote Valley Open Space
Description: A wonderful tree in moody early morning light at Coyote Valley Open Space in January 2024.

Title: Isolated tree
Description: Last year's prolonged rainy season blanketed the valley in green. This photo of North Coyote Valley was taken along Santa Teresa Blvd. I was captivated by the way the contrast of shadow and sunlight illuminated the peaks and valleys, showcasing the beauty of the preserve.

Title: Coyote Creek downstream from the Coyote Creek Trail crossing north of Bailey Ave., 11/25/09.
Description: I was riding my bike on the Coyote Creek Trail. Just north of Bailey Avenue, the trail crosses over the creek. I stopped in the middle of the creek crossing. I noticed the trees, especially the western sycamores, were changing into their fall colors. There was still water in the creek, so it made a nice reflection of the trees.

Title: Cattle's Best Friend
Description: Diverse wildlife and agriculture found on Palm Ave at Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve.

Title: Leafless Orchard
Description: The reflection of a stunning sunset in a flooded leafless orchard along Hale Avenue, accompanied by the seasonal emergence of wildflowers, created this vibrant and picturesque scene.

Title: Nature is magic
Description: I was so honored to be a guest at the opening event of Máyyan 'Ooyákma and knew right away what a special place it is. I returned to hike during wildflower season and took this photo of my friends on our hike. What an amazing day we had with breathtaking views of the spring green rolling hills blanketed in poppies, goldfields, tidy tips, lupin and a multitude of other wildflowers. It was simply gorgeous and mind-blowing!

Title: Meet Me at Sunrise
Description: The early morning hours are a lovely time to be outside and the experience is even more special when you have good company to hike with.

Title: A juvenile western bluebird on the cusp of flight.

Title: Juvenile Northern Pacific Rattlesnake crossing Equestrian Trail, Coyote Creek Parkway.
Description: Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) are very common in Coyote Creek Parkway, and I usually see 1-6 individuals in the park from late winter to late spring. This neonate was photographed on April 10, 2023, crossing Equestrian Trail.

The six contest winners will each receive a $100 gift card to REI, an Open Space Authority swag bag and have their photos featured with credit in upcoming events and publications produced by the Authority.

*Photograph titles and descriptions were submitted by each photographer.