Mom slept out in the field all alone — this is something she does frequently as evening sets in. After a while she propped herself up and began grooming herself. After that I could tell she was waiting. She kept looking over the hill to where she knew the rest of the family was and she kept staring in that direction for some time. She seemed to be expecting someone or something.
After a while, she must have become impatient. She got up and stretched in all direction and then began howling, seemingly calling forth the troops — her family. There had been no sirens to set her off. She yipped and barked, but there was no response except for an irritating dog who barked the whole time — three minutes worth — which rendered the recording practically unusable: I salvaged what I could in the recording below.
After another short while, she must have given up, because she trotted off into the direction she had been looking. I had heard my howl and thought I wouldn’t be seeing any more coyotes as it became dark outside, so I began heading out of the park. Just then, howling began — the responses. They came from three directions with one youngster visible as a silhouette against the sky. The family consists of the two alphas and three pups born this year who are now six months old. The silhouette belongs to one of these pups. Here is the video and recording I captured.
Coyote Yipps 
Oct 19, 2021 @ 12:22:41
Beautiful.
I’m surprised that you use the word “alphas” instead of adults.
Oct 19, 2021 @ 16:50:38
Hi Jo — Every family is different. In this case, the alpha male who helps keep the pups in order is a yearling from a previous litter. That male has and has been groomed for the alpha male position by his mother, but I’m not sure I would call him an adult, especially in relation to his mother. I guess I use the terminology that for me fits the situation. Hope this explains??? Janet
Oct 19, 2021 @ 19:46:48
Janet, yes indeed. Your explain is very helpful. It makes good sense in context of this family. Thank you for taking the time to respond. They are each individually unique and their social stories are unique.
Oct 19, 2021 @ 19:49:43
:))
Oct 20, 2021 @ 17:49:49
What a treat—thank you !