Monday, June 23, 2008

Red Fox Out For a Walk

I'm sure this Red Fox had a purpose other than ours, which was going to find a Moccasin Slipper in bloom, but when it ran out onto the railroad tracks in front of us and took the lead, we followed. It knew we were there, quite a fair distance behind, for every now and then it would stop and and take a look at us. I am always wary and cautious of wild animals when they are close and we kept our distance, relying upon my camera lens to take us closer. It appeared to look healthy and energetic and curious and as we soon discovered, hungry too. I was amazed at the skill of this wily creature for within just a few seconds, it stopped, moved off to the side of the railroad bed, stealthily approached some sort of prey, and returned to the side of the tracks with it in its mouth.

Then it continued on its way down the tracks for another short distance before turning off into the brush.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Neat fox. They are so curious he probably wanted to keep track of you back there. Awesome masthead photo of the turtle too.

bobbie said...

A beautiful little creature. So sure of himself, wasn't he?

me ann my camera said...

bobbie:
He was, very confident and so amazingly quick when he caught the mouse? It was a fascinating little episode to have encountered.

dolittle's daughter:
What a lovely name you have created for yourself!

Mary said...

What a fun adventure....following a fox! He looks like he could use a good meal....pretty skinny! I'm actually glad he caught something, but am glad I don't know what it is :-) Wonderful photos! I love that new header, too. That turtle looks like it is wrapped around that log and sailing it off on an adventure of his own :-) Great shot!

me ann my camera said...

mary:
Do you think maybe the turtle is humming the tune to, "row, row, row your boat"? Its thick hind foot looks like it might be used as a good paddle!

Becky said...

Great story about the fox, and such good pictures. We have them around here too, but they are always in a hurry. That fellow looks like he needs a good few good meals too.

DeVona said...

Fantastic photo story of fox walking down the tracks! I, too, love the photo of the turtle on your masthead! I have learned so much from your nature photos; thank you for sharing your knowledge, skill and wonder with us all!

Anonymous said...

Nice sighting and beautiful photos. That red fox looks a bit hungry. Great commentary as well.

me ann my camera said...

becky and april:
What surprised me about fox was that it was so fast ! when it stopped and found something to eat; it seemed like less than a minute.

devona:
The turtle stayed on the piece of wood even when I got really close to it; usually there is a big splash and they're gone! I kind of like it too.

Sandpiper (Lin) said...

What wonderful pictures! Now that's something I wouldn't mind stumbling on while out on one of my walks! Gorgeous little creature.

I love your new banner. That's a great perspective on the turtle.

NW Nature Nut said...

I haven't visited in so long! I love the turtle header photo. The fox is so neat to see. My favorite is the last photo. Even though doesn't have the detail of the fox, it has such a nice layout with the railroad. Beautiful!

me ann my camera said...

sandpiper and nature nut:
Thank you both for your comments. There is something endearing I think about the fox walking down the tracks, with maybe a bit of dignity. And the turtle pic seems to be a hit.

Ruth said...

Compared to our old, overweight dog, the fox looks like a starving animal. Food is plentiful now, but the winters must be hard on these wild animals.

Unknown said...

Hi- talk about being in the right place at the right time- to see a fox, and then to see it catch a meal- great stuff. I also like the new masthead. Very nice!

Geraldine said...

Wow, he's a skinny little guy isn't he? He looks to be posing for you in the pics!

www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com

2sweetnsaxy said...

I'm lovin' your blog! This is a great little series on this fox.

Texas Travelers said...

Nice story and great series of photos.

Well done,
Troy and Martha