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 😉
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 😉
Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 40D and EF 24-105 F4L IS USM lens, with the Canon 430EX flash unit.
18 Comments
You wonder how the wildlife is dealing with this weather. Hopefully better than the people are.
Originally posted by Words:
Some foxes certainy are. 😉 But our cats seem to have geared themselves up for the cold. Their coats are noticeably thicker and they're eating a lot more.
Not that they really need it, they spend most of their time inside and asleep. They're no fools.
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.
I think foxes were made for snowy conditions. She didn't even look cold. 🙂
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!
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. 😛
Yes, she looks like she doesn`t care about snow and cold at all 😀 Plus, it was kind of her to let you make these photos :up:
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.
Darko, yes it was good of her 😉 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. 🙂
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!
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 😉
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.
Thanks Erwin… off outside in a minute to see if she shows up again. We've got the snow… 🙂
Great photos. I finally saw my fox during the day yesterday, his footprints are all over the garden
Patrick writes:
Really great photos – superbly sharp.
Thanks Patrick!
Wonderful shots