First Footing (fox style)

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!
Nature Blog Network
Camera note: all shots taken with the Canon 40D and EF 100mm f/2.8L macro IS USM lens.

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This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. wellisteffi

    2 Jan 2011

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

  2. Words

    3 Jan 2011

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

  3. Words

    3 Jan 2011

    Steffi, and Happy New Year to you too!

  4. Words

    3 Jan 2011

    Erwin, thanks!

  5. SittingFox

    4 Jan 2011

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

  6. Words

    4 Jan 2011

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

  7. Cynthia23

    6 Jan 2011

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

  8. Words

    6 Jan 2011

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

  9. Words

    7 Jan 2011

    I never touch… just observe!

  10. Words

    8 Jan 2011

    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

    8 Jan 2011

    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

    19 Oct 2012

    A Great beginning of the new year very beautiful pict

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