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.