First Footing (fox style)

By Words | Published January 2, 2011

First footing is an old Scottish custom which says that the first visitor of the New Year brings good fortune. By tradition, 'the first foot' is a handsome male, and brings small gifts.

Our 'first foot' this year was a fox, and yes it was a handsome (young) male. He visited this evening, overcoming his natural shyness though he is still more cautious than either of the females (Bold and Cheeky).

This is the same fox who made a surprise daytime visit in November. I find identifying the juvenile foxes slightly tricky (they change rapidly, especially as winter approaches), but although he lacks the heavy-set face of older males, he has developed a broad facial ruff.

As for gifts, well he did leave a small symbolic token of his visit 😉

It also means that I'll be able to continue my Fox of the Day page with a new picture to start the year. The page has been going since mid 2005 and the complete collection is now hovering close to 2000 images. The current count is 1962, as I do occasionally take a short break (as over the past week), or simply forget to post a picture. At least I now have some fresh photos to keep me going for a week or so.

And finally, a very Happy New Year to you from me!
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Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.

This entry was posted in Foxes and tagged .

12 Comments

  1. wellisteffi January 2, 2011 at 6:01 pm #

    Happy New Year and I wish
    many beautiful pictures for you. :up:

  2. Words January 3, 2011 at 11:01 am #

    Kai, it must be great to have a lynx nearby, though I would guess they scare the foxes away.

  3. Words January 3, 2011 at 11:01 am #

    Steffi, and Happy New Year to you too!

  4. Words January 3, 2011 at 11:01 am #

    Erwin, thanks!

  5. SittingFox January 4, 2011 at 4:01 pm #

    Happy new year Words! :up: And that's a nice looking young fox.

  6. Words January 4, 2011 at 9:01 pm #

    Adele, thanks! He's a very wary young fox though. If I move, he's off!

  7. Cynthia23 January 6, 2011 at 9:01 pm #

    And, a very happy new year to you! Wonderful photos!

  8. Words January 6, 2011 at 9:01 pm #

    Cynthia thanks, and best to you for a great 2011!

  9. Words January 7, 2011 at 9:01 pm #

    I never touch… just observe!

  10. Words January 8, 2011 at 12:01 am #

    Originally posted by DaVinci21:

    are you on scotl and

    No, I'm right on the other end of the country on the south coast of England.

  11. Words January 8, 2011 at 9:01 pm #

    Scotland is in the far north of the British Isles. Cornwall is in the South West of England. I'm in the South East of England.

  12. Wulpen October 19, 2012 at 8:10 pm #

    A Great beginning of the new year very beautiful pict