It is amazing what a range of personalities can be found within a sample of ten cubs. But this litter is far more camera-shy than the last one, partly, I suspect, because Kitty sends out such unfriendly signals whenever she sees a person - signals that the other cubs would likely instinctively heed.

But where ordinary cameras are unlikely to succeed, a webcam might work



Tonight was supposed to be about getting this little device down the garden in preparation for proper setting up tomorrow. It's only been tacked to the inside of the safety pen (a little enclosure that allows for the outside door to be shut and any inquisitive cubs who slip out when the inside door is opened to be contained) and I certainly wasn't expecting to post any footage tonight. But, here it is: tiny Tina gnawing the cat climber, and general play



Just a couple of other quick things:

I know it's summer now because the Old Dogfox is hiding in long grass!



(Actually, I also know because the wild orchids are finally appearing over the meadows and I will try to get some pictures of them soon.)

The bullfinches are still regular visitors.



While the magpie wins the "Clown of the Month" award - again! - for pretending to pull off a near-impossible balancing act!

I'm back up to five cubs again Waldo came home this afternoon, having sufficiently recovered from his injuries to rejoin the litter. He wasn't in the mood to let me photograph him, but he's growing into a fine-looking, calm-natured fox, and perhaps he'll help smooth out the friction that fiery Marion seems to spread wherever she goes!

For no matter how quiet the pen looks...



...drama is never far away



And it usually has Chatter involved



Though even little Echo isn't completely angelic



But when the June sun beats down, there is one fox, who, though probably not completely past playing, much prefers that ancient indulgence of sunbathing. A hot Old Dogfox is a happy Old Dogfox!

The Old Dogfox seems to have a bit of a fan club!



A couple of days ago, he was milling around the garden as usual, and was promptly spotted by the rescued cubs in their pen. Previously, they had been more interested in the Chipped Vixen (perhaps because she tends to appear just at the time I'm about to feed the cubs!) but they seem to be seeing possibilities in the Old Dogfox now. And why not? The National Wildlife Federation, as part of a Father's Day special, has named red foxes as one of the "best fathers" in the animal kingdom!

But I fear he does not approve. The cubs seemed full of enthusiasm for him that morning, ears right back, brushes wagging, and voices whimpering.

He took to his heels and bolted

I don't really blame him. Cubs have inquisitive teeth and demanding appetites. Presuming that he is the father of the Chipped Vixen's brood (which is by no means certain), he will have quite enough to contend with as it is

Nevertheless, he has returned...



...and he's not alone; the Scraggly Vixen is having one of her occasional "I'm going to stay in the garden all day" episodes. There is very little friction between her and the Old Dogfox, but from my perspective I am still inclined to ask why it is that her visits are invariably on days with terrible weather



The huge Saddleback Male is still around (I saw him last night) but is by no means a regular visitor.

As for the cubs themselves, they are doing well. Chatter is still climbing everything that she can!



But they are all very playful.





Well, most of the time Peanut butter does not, perhaps, bring out the best in their natures. In this clip you can see their reactions to their treat and hear their strange coughing "chatter" to each other. I also put a short clip of the Old Dogfox and the Scraggly Vixen right at the end.

(Press F5 if it doesn't work...)



I haven't had much opportunity for non-fox pictures lately but I did enjoy seeing this horse in the evening light a few days back.