Saturday 9 January 2016

Trail tales: the quick red fox

Bala, 2008
Another wacky weather day today.  We have threats of ice rain, but we've had just rain this morning. I don't complain, as there are many places where weather has been terrible. I am sad to see the snow melt, though.

The birds are fed, action at the bird feeder is lovely. It's just not good photography weather. Despite this, Daisy and I went walkies Jan. 5th. We found evidence that the fox has been around. It was but a shadow on the trailcam Jan. 4th. I did capture it in December. I've switched to stills for the sake of my batteries!

Bala, 2008
The fox seems to cross our side yard every few days or so. This is for the record! In a complex ecosystem like ours, both predators and prey have to be predictably unpredictable.
  • Nov. 15th at   7:28 a.m.
  • Nov. 30th at   6:10 a.m. 
  • Dec. 2nd  at  10:46 p.m.
  • Dec. 5th   at  12:03 a.m.
  • Jan. 4th  at 9:03 p.m.
Anyway, this is what Daisy and I found! The tracks aren't big enough for the coyotes, I've taken measurements of the coyotes tracks before: Who was in the backyard? 

This is a scan from my Petersen's Field Guide. It is about 11.5" from paw heel to toe in front, 18.5" from front to rear. We don't have dogs about. It must be our foxy fox.

I love reading the tracks in the snow! I know many of my rural, kindred spirits do, too!

Daisy insisted on going for a walk. She even led the way. She took off onto the wetland, which isn't frozen, and I had to call her back. She bounced onto the dock, too. Then onto the frog pond. I didn't dare, as I didn't think it was frozen enough to hold my weight.



My hand prints are 8" long, which fits for the red fox. It's tough photographing the tracks in the snow! I've played with the contrast some.



A certain cat was nibbling at the bulrushes!



Back at the house, you can see my new bird bath.


7 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Hello Jen, neat video of the fox! Daisy seems to enjoy her walks outside in the cold snow. Nice new birdbath!
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

William Kendall said...

They're curious critters... I remember my parents having cats who'd chase the fox.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... much the same here, though we don't have the advantage of even the beauty of snow; just murk! YAM xx

Nancy J said...

Daisy seems to so like a walk in the park... I mean snow. Lovely new bird bath, and I can see where the path has been cleared. Beauty fox, their coats are gorgeous.

Red said...

You certainly research your subjects. There are many more critters wandering around in town than we think. I don't like winter rain. I like my powdery snow.

DeniseinVA said...

That's good detective work. Lovely visitor!

As I have just changed over to my new blog, I thought I would sign off with my new addy to make it easier for my blogging friends. Have a very happy Sunday :)

http://www.anenglishgirlrambles2016.blogspot.com

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Daisy is an intrepid outdoor explorer -- nothing can hold her back! That's so cute that one picture she looks absolutely determined to just GO ... doesn't matter where, just so she gets out there! Nice documentation of your foxy friend!