Foxy

A storm was due that morning but my husband and I went for a walk before it started. Snow, rain and high winds could keep us in for days. I always take my camera. The usual subjects, squirrels, mallards, woodpeckers, blue jays, sparrows, and chickadees, are often present but there could be something different too. One good photo from every walk is a bonus.

We walked quickly, fearing rain or ice pellets would begin any minute. Peanuts and black sunflower seeds lined our pockets since we planned to feed any of the regulars we saw along the way. They would have to forage for themselves for a few days due to the storm.

The birds were talking in the trees but none were near the traditional feeding place when we headed up the boardwalk. However on the way back, we stopped to see the mallard couple by the bridge. Within minutes the usual birds and squirrels appeared. We enjoyed their company until my husband noticed a fox to the left of the bridge. It stared at us for several minutes, without moving. 

It was a large, multi-coloured, red fox with black ears, legs and tail with a white tip. The back haunches were white as was most of the front. There was a black patch under the face and a hint of black through the long white fur. The face had some of the red blond colour on the cheeks, around the eyes and the upper anterior body. The symmetry was perfect.

I was afraid to move for fear of scaring it but it looked to be waiting for something. Maybe it was accustomed to being fed by humans. We have never fed foxes and we’ve only seen one other fox in this area although we have heard them calling at dusk from their den. This one watched us for a time, then moved off. 

I hope squirrel wasn’t served for lunch.