Regular readers of this blog will know that I spend a good deal of time out in our garden watching the comings and goings of the local foxes, and that occasionally – while I’m out there – I spot other garden visitors. Last night was such an occasion. Perched on the wall which separates the upper garden area from the house was a large toad. Toads are very occasional garden sightings, so its appearance was something of a surprise. I did spot a baby toad a few weeks ago, scuttling away under some shrubs, but it is a long while since I’ve seen an adult. This one was unmissable.
Tonight was toadless, but two of the local foxes showed up. The nicked-ear male is the more confident and regular of the foxes, and he’s in the foreground of this photo. The more wary vixen is lurking in the background.
She may be wary, but the temptation of peanuts can occasionally be too much for a fox. Here she is nervously reaching forward.
She takes what she can and retreats. The male, though still cautious, is prepared to bide his time as long as I keep a safe distance away. He’s quite relaxed in this last image.
Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.
derwandersmann
26 Jun 2014Nice shot of Jabba the Hut, Words.
The vixen doesn’t seem to gain much confidence, does she?
Words
27 Jun 2014dW, well named! I’ve generally found vixens to be more cautious. There are always exceptions but most of our very bold foxes have been males so her behaviour isn’t unexpected.
Darko
26 Jun 2014Foxes being shy may be not too bad for them. It is better to stay away from people. I know you won’t hurt them, but someone else might.
BC is under invasion of American bull frogs this last few years. Those frogs are so big they can eat small birds sometimes, ducklings and goslings mostly. Even rodents. There was a report from some of the ponds near Vancouver where the owner (or the person responsible for the park, I’m not sure) have caught and killed 30,000 bull frogs in last year. Your photograph reminded me on them.
Words
27 Jun 2014Darko, shyness is a survival mechanism so I don’t worry too much about it.
Bull frogs can be a real problem. Fortunately we don’t have them here (except the occasional escapee), but that’s a lot of frogs in Vancouver. Reminds me of the problems that Australia has with the cane toad.