Bold and Timid, Two Red Fox Kits

It has been my privilege, and good fortune, to photograph these two Red Fox kits for the past several weeks.  Because of their behavior I call them the bold one and the timid one, to differentiate them when I describe their antics to others.  In this photo the bold one is on the left...

They have become accustomed to my presence, and this has allowed me the opportunity to photograph them behaving in a natural manner.  Here, the timid one makes certain there are no predators about before leaving the den...

 

 

After emerging, it keeps a wary eye on the sky.  Most of the birds soaring overhead are harmless, but it must still be vigilant because this is the territory of the Bald Eagle, a predator that could easily kill a small fox...

 

 

The temptation to take a nap in the warm sun is almost too much for it to resist...

 

 

If it weren't for the pesky fleas the nap might have lasted longer...

Once awake, a primary wing feather from a Canada Goose makes a good toy...

These photos were taken during visits to the den site over many days which is why the lighting is so different.  Some days were sunny and bright while others were cloudy and overcast. On the day of this photo the bold one was stalking something in the grass...

 

I think it must have been a Vole delivered by one of the parents before I arrived...

The parents must be good providers for their kits.  I have found remnants of rabbit fur, mice and voles, bird feathers, and even this lower leg and foot from a Great Blue Heron, or other large bird...

I don't know if the parents played a role in feeding on this deer ribcage that I found not too far from the den.  It is probably the result of a road kill, or a human hunters' success...

 

Spending hours with these kits is fun, educational and relaxing...

 

When the foxes are not out other wildlife sometimes provides photo opportunities as with this Barn Swallow...

On another day, the timid one peeked out of the den...

And then quickly seized a Catbird as its' breakfast...

The feathers must have been difficult for the little fox to get down...

In this photo all that remains is a single feather hanging just below its' chin...

 

If it weren't for kind, and nature loving, landowners these photographs would not be possible.  I can't express my gratitude enough to the property owner, who not only allowed me to take photos, but also tipped me off to the location of the fox den.  I hope you are reading this, Margret, and know how appreciated your generosity is.

 

I also want to thank my regular readers who have come from over 103 countries, and visited my blog over 41,000 times.  It is exciting and humbling to think that I have reached so many people.

As always, stay well, and come back soon.