Umm, Mommy Needs To Go Back To School

This past weekend, we were leaving my parents house that overlooks a large open field.  We often see cows, coyotes, antelopes, and whatever other little creatures that may scurry on by. 

This picture was from this past summer and yes, we are making sure the cows get enough to drink.  I don't think the neighbors cared too much for us.

My very active precious 5 year old son decides he's going to do a few laps around the driveway, around my vehicle, on the lawn, etc.  I say, (being the good Mom that I am) "We have to leave before the coyotes come out.  It's starting to get dark."  My son willingly jumps in his car seat and we say our good byes. 

On our 17 minute drive home, Jake says, "Mom, are coyotes nocturnal?" 

Me:  Umm,  uhhhh, yeah, well sure they are! 
(I mean, if coyotes are seen during the day, and they come out at night, well, then they're nocturnal. Right?)

As he could see hesitation in my voice, he says, "Owls are nocturnal, I think coyotes are too."

See, I'm a bad test taker...I was always looking for ways to see how the other answers were correct if you threw in this variable or that variable.  I was a damn good at projects though!

So, for all of you who only thought owls were nocturnal...here it goes:

noc·tur·nal
–adjective1.of or pertaining to the night (opposed to diurnal).2.done, occurring, or coming at night: nocturnal visit.3.active at night (opposed to diurnal): nocturnal animals.4.opening by night and closing by day, as certain flowers (opposed to diurnal).a

–noun5.Archaic. an astrolabe for telling time at night or for determining latitude by the position of certain stars in reference to Polaris.

So yes, I have answered my own question....Coyotes are active at night....I hear the pack laughing when they find a good catch, so they must be nocturnal.

So, yesterday, Jake says to me..."I think I'm nocturnal because I can get out of bed at night and see in the dark."  Damn that must be a good lesson they are teaching them at Preschool. 
 

(http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/070320/billy_l.jpg)

This will be me soon...remember Billy Madison?