Out in the Fields

Today was definitely a taste of summer, and too good to miss a chance to head out to the local downland fields at lunchtime. There was just enough of a breeze to keep things comfortable, and the views are always good even if there’s little else around.

A few yellowhammers were down at ground level, feeding.

I’d all but given up and was heading away when I noticed a slight inconsistency in the distance. Peering through the camera I could just make out a couple of foxes at the edge of the field. They were by some dense shrubs and were warming themselves in the sunshine.

The third shot was taken a few minutes later after they had retreated back under cover. I was actually photographing the rabbit in the top of the frame and only spotted the fox lurking near the bottom of the image later on.

On another day I’ll do better (I can hardly do worse), but it’s always a treat to get photos of foxes in fields.

Back on campus the blue tits are still actively feeding their young. The adult pair was gathering food so quickly that they almost crashed into each other as one was entering and the other leaving the nest box.

It can’t be too long now before the young fledge. I’d really like to see that, but since I don’t know quite when that will be and my time is constrained I’ll need a fair slice of luck.

The final photo tonight is to make up for all the eye strain in picking out the daytime foxes. This is the nicked ear fox in the garden this evening.

Camera note: all daytime photos taken with the Canon 7D and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens. The nicked-ear fox was taken with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.