Late autumn sunrise



Sometimes the wildlife photographer's lot is a frustrating one. After the constant seesaw of rain and sunshine all the work week, this morning dawned bright and clear But where are the foxes?

Sightings are rather uneven right now. Young male foxes from the year's litters are travelling away from their parents, seeking territories of their own, and run the risk of cars and unfriendly neighbourhoods. Even the established male foxes don't seem very bold; the Silver Dogfox has now returned, after an absence of a fortnight, but he is carrying an ear injury. And yesterday was Guy Fawkes Night, and the traditional aspects of the day seem to be increasingly giving way to nothing but fireworks The impact of firework noise on foxes isn't easy to quantify, but they certainly terrify many pets and dogs, and I would hope that everyone who wants to use fireworks tries to buy the quietest ones possible. After all, it's the explosion and colour which are the attractions, not the noise

All in all, I thought I was going to have a completely fox-less morning, but on my way back down the lane, a lithe little form far in the distance caught my eye



The pony took no notice as the fox trotted by.

Other creatures are more active. Squirrels are rushing down the branches seeking nuts to cache, and small birds are chattering from the treetops...and the ground! This is a pied wagtail.



And magpies are always with us