Another sharp frost overnight encouraged me out into the fields today. The ground was crisp and firm rather than the sodden mud we've had for so many months, and the wintry sun and still air was just about perfect for freezing conditions. As ever when I go to these fields I search for buzzards, but none were out today. I did spot something interesting hidden among the grass in a distant field (probably half a mile from where I was standing). It's easier to spot them in this first photo than it was out in the open (I didn't actually realize there were two foxes until I got a lot closer).
Two foxes sleeping in a field. And yes, I did try to get closer, though as I dipped into the valley it became ever harder to keep them in sight as I dropped beneath their elevation. 
By the time I'd made it to the bottom of the valley, they were pretty much obscured by the undulations of the field. I lost sight of one of them entirely, but the other was (I'm pleased to say) just visible on the edge of a ridge.
The foxes weren't the only surprise. Back by the road there's a smallholding with some goats and sheep. What I didn't expect to see in January were some lambs. This is very early in the season indeed, and I hope they'll be looked after in the heavy snowfall due tomorrow. Mum certainly has a warm fleece so she'll be fine.
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.
gdare
18 Jan 2013Third one, with sleeping fox is the one I like the most :up:
Words
20 Jan 2013Darko, I would love to have got a little closer to them as the sleeping fox was definitely the shot to get.
SittingFox
20 Jan 2013Lovely to see the foxes out in the countryside. They're probably appreciating the lack of rain!
Words
21 Jan 2013Adele, always a treat, but I fear the good weather didn't last very long.