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Monday 7 March 2016

The Fox and the Crows

During a late afternoon walk last week, the wind, which was relentless for two days, had ceased. The stillness of the air was welcome and fellow walkers commented about it. It was sunny and cool but a glorious winter day.

Wildlife around the boardwalk was active. Mice, squirrels, chickadees, mourning doves, blue jays and crows were busy feeding from the bounty left by islanders around the feeders along the trail. 



The animals continued to feed as their admiring fans stopped to watch or photograph them. People chatted as they watched.



On the way back down the trail, as we approached one of the feeders, two crows on the upper side of the trail were loud and boisterous, cawing as if to answer each other. They almost fell off the branches as they cawed so vehemently. As Newfoundlanders say,  "Something was on the go."



Then, as we talked to a woman with an Alaskan malamute which eyed the squirrels,



we saw a fox



stalking 



through the trees.



The crows, having seen it long before we did, cawed as they watched its every move. When the fox moved towards something on the ground, grabbed it and moved away to eat, the crows increased the clamour. They had lost their supper to the fox.

Walking across the bridge, heading home, we passed a man carrying a camera and tripod. We pointed out the position of the fox. There will be woodland photos of the fox circulating around Summerside, Prince Edward Island and beyond this week.

19 comments:

DJan said...

That intent look! When I see and hear the crows around here making a racket, I know that "something is on the go." Love that phrase. Your posts often make me feel as if I were your next door neighbor! :-)

Kathleen's Blog said...

Beautiful post...and beautiful photos!!! You must have felt great to catch such awesome shots.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

I bet it got a mouse.

ann @ studiohyde said...

What a lovely place to see all that wildlife...and the fox is beautiful :-)

Barbara said...

I need a birdhouse like that one. I need to start looking for an inexpensive birdhouse builder.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you for saying it feels like you are next door. I want to create that feeling, so it must be working.

The crows tell us a great deal I think if we knew how to listen.

Marie Smith said...

It was a spectacular day. I especially love the stalking fox! Thank you.

Marie Smith said...

That was what we thought too, Debra. There were mice around that day.

Marie Smith said...

There is always something to see on the boardwalk. The fox was special though.

Marie Smith said...

It is a great birdhouse, very sturdy! Hope you get one like it.

Anonymous said...

That is pretty neat Marie...you catching those photos of the fox hunting! I think that dog wants to hunt also! Andrea

Tomoko said...

Hi,Marie
I walked with you,enjoying many animals in the glorious day.It is a beautiful walk. I am happy to know that you met a camera man with a tripod, and you taught him the position of the fox you saw. He was lucky. Sometimes I need a person like you while I am taking photos!

Marie Smith said...

He was so focussed on the squirrels he didn't notice the fox. That dog was a beautiful animal.

Marie Smith said...

There are many photographers along that boardwalk, Tomoko. People are so friendly as well. Conversation is common and people share tips and stories. It is a great location.

Shammickite said...

Great pictures of Mr Fox, he's usually hard to spot. There's a fox near my house, probably with a wife and children, I have seen him occasionally through the winter. Nice to get out and walk along the boardwalk. Very mild here today so I'll be out walking too.

Tomoko said...

As a reader of" Anne of Green Gables", I am so happy to know that from you!

Marie Smith said...

So nice to get the fresh air and the sun after the cold of winter. The sun is warmer these days!

Angela said...

I enjoy all the nature photos! That photo of the fox is just incredible!!! Thank you!

Marie Smith said...

I love the fox photo. She is so focussed on her prey.