Strange happenings in the garden

I was out by the pond this evening photographing another of the local animals (a cat called Charlie).

I'd taken a few shots of him around the pond and glancing up at the 'mouse' (I mean 'bird') feeder and was surprised when he turned and planted himself facing in the opposite direction. He's usually so friendly! I looked in the direction he was pointing and, to my surprise, over by a low wall further up the garden was a fox! Not the young bold one, but another. They stared at each other for a few moments (long enough for three shots) before the fox ambled away and up and over the fence. A strange fox ambling is not what I've become used to.

Later in the evening I spotted a fox (probably the same one) from the front of the house. It was nipping into a garden opposite and sported the same distinctive white-tipped brush. Later still I was back outside when a fox again walked slowly across the rear of the garden. I'm inclined to think one of the shy ones has become bolder, but sightings have been so infrequent and generally in poor light that it is quite difficult to tell. The change in behaviour could be down to increased winter activity. The changing appearance very possibly down to the thickening up of their winter coat.

The fox paused just out of my line of vision, behind the compost area and about 30ft away from me. Some gentle 'clicking' noises tempted it out briefly (again unusual) and I was able to get one further shot. If you look closely you can see it's male.

On looking again at these photos it also seems older (though the rapid thickening of the coat at this time of year might be deceiving me). I can't be entirely sure, but there seems to be some darkening around its left eye (possibly a wound). I noticed it when I was out in the garden, but from the sort of distance I was it's difficult to make any firm diagnosis.

Camera note: all shots taken with the Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG macro lens and Canon 188A flash unit.

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This Post Has 13 Comments

  1. Vulpes vulpes

    26 Nov 2007

    Nice shots. And a new kid (or not?!) on the block too! :up:

  2. anonymous

    26 Nov 2007

    Nikki writes:

    Winter coats are coming along nicely! It's nice to see different foxes still coming around.

  3. Flying Red Fox Blog

    26 Nov 2007

    Wow Charlie looks so bright white against the dark background:D Nice Fox too i was wondering if it was the old Dog Fox but i might be wrong.

  4. Words

    26 Nov 2007

    Vulpes, I think it has to be one of the 'regulars', just judging by the route it took but I'll keep working on it!

  5. Words

    26 Nov 2007

    Nikki, their coats are great this time of year. Very rare to see a skinny fox in November. It looks well set should the weather dip down.

  6. Words

    26 Nov 2007

    Mark, Charlie almost glows in the dark! But I'm glad he was there last night otherwise I might have missed the fox. And I agree, there does seem to be a family resemblance to the old dog fox. I'm fairly certain it's not him though. It was probably this one (seen in a neighbouring garden).

  7. gdare

    26 Nov 2007

    Charlie looks great. Is he whole in white?

  8. Words

    26 Nov 2007

    Yes he's pure white! Can't wait for the snow 😉

  9. SittingFox

    26 Nov 2007

    White cat on white snow. Should be fun 😉

    Certainly a fine-looking fox. It'll be interesting to see if he repeats this behaviour.

  10. Words

    27 Nov 2007

    @Mark! You were right and I was wrong. Saw him again tonight and it is the old fellow. :doh:

  11. Vulpes vulpes

    27 Nov 2007

    So you think that is Roofy's father then (as in the old dog fox)? Long time no see if it is! 🙂

  12. Words

    27 Nov 2007

    I'm certain! :faint:

  13. Flying Red Fox Blog

    27 Nov 2007

    LOL 😆 I was right, i recognised him:P Hesmore bushier with a thicker coat than the others:D

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