Everything is Permuted

Tales of a South Downs fox... and other ramblings

Fox in the Snow (photos)

Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:48:09 AM

,

Well persistence finally had its reward. I was out in the garden tonight, trying not to get too cold while watching and listening for signs of a fox, when at the back of the garden a familiar shape emerged.
The Bold Vixen in the Snow

At first she was much more cautious than usual, scooting back when I attempted to approach. It could have been the noise of the snow underfoot that startled her, or simply an innate wariness when conditions are harsh; but we didn't name her the Bold Vixen for nothing. I got closer wink


And she came closer...


And she made her way from the rear of the garden to the fringes of the (frozen) pond.


And investigated something buried in the snow.


And sat down for a while...


And finally departed with a small treat.


She deserved it wink
Nature Blog Network
Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 40D and EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens, with the Canon 430EX flash unit.

More of the snowy south...What I didn't post yesterday

Comments

Uncle MickMickeyjoe-Irl Saturday, January 9, 2010 12:59:46 AM

You wonder how the wildlife is dealing with this weather. Hopefully better than the people are.

Words Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:09:53 AM

I think foxes were made for snowy conditions. She didn't even look cold. smile

Uncle MickMickeyjoe-Irl Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:34:21 AM

Originally posted by Words:

I think foxes were made for snowy conditions.


Some foxes certainy are. wink But our cats seem to have geared themselves up for the cold. Their coats are noticeably thicker and they're eating a lot more.

Words Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:44:42 AM

Good that your cats are coping well. I'm used to seeing foxes put on their winter coat but I hadn't really thought about domestic cats doing the same. That's great.

Uncle MickMickeyjoe-Irl Saturday, January 9, 2010 1:58:25 AM

Not that they really need it, they spend most of their time inside and asleep. They're no fools.

RobinRobinL Saturday, January 9, 2010 3:13:00 AM

Wonderful shots. It nice to get a different perspective of things. But it's time for it to go away now!
You and Adele have had good luck with foxes today!

Mark JonesFlying Red Fox Blog Saturday, January 9, 2010 4:38:07 AM

Wow excellent photos yes Hope you didnt get too cold.

The icy weather has restricted me from going to the airports but hopefully it will get warmer before i go to South Africa in February.

Funny that, you only seem to go off something when it actually affects you isnt it. p

Darkogdare Saturday, January 9, 2010 7:39:49 AM

Yes, she looks like she doesn`t care about snow and cold at all bigsmile Plus, it was kind of her to let you make these photos up

Adele BrandSittingFox Saturday, January 9, 2010 9:34:24 AM

Lovely photos Words! up She seems a bit puzzled by the snow. I've had great trouble finding the meadow foxes, again. I'm trying to pin down their movements in snowy weather - either late afternoon or night seems to be the best guess right now.

Anyway, she looks stunning and her patches don't seem to be bothering her in the least.

Words Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:54:45 AM

Robin, thanks. I agree, the whole purpose of the recent freeze was to allow us to get photos of foxes in snow. There can be no other reason! Job done, I'm quite happy to give permission for the big thaw to start wink

Words Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:56:42 AM

Mark, it gets cold while I'm waiting around, but once she arrived I didn't really notice it. We had a bit more snow last night, but nothing too bad. The forecasts look ok for the thaw to start next week and I'm sure it will be clear by February!

Words Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:58:21 AM

Darko, yes it was good of her wink She really didn't seem too bothered by the snow itself, but she was a little more nervous than usual. I guess all their usual reference points are gone so they have to take more care. It was great to finally see her in these conditions. smile

Words Saturday, January 9, 2010 11:00:15 AM

Adele, thanks. I see you got some great shots too up I've not managed to get out to the Downs this week, but may make an attempt over the weekend. The (very shy) dog fox seems to be showing up here early in the morning, just as it gets light.

ERWINWulpen Saturday, January 9, 2010 8:21:45 PM

Wonderful shots

Words Saturday, January 9, 2010 10:13:40 PM

Thanks Erwin... off outside in a minute to see if she shows up again. We've got the snow... smile

NeilUkwildlife Sunday, January 10, 2010 9:57:03 AM

Great photos. I finally saw my fox during the day yesterday, his footprints are all over the garden

Anonymous Tuesday, February 16, 2010 2:05:56 PM

Patrick writes: Really great photos - superbly sharp.

Words Tuesday, February 16, 2010 10:20:58 PM

Thanks Patrick!

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