Fox encounter

pressld2 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 01:49 PM

Had a lovely close encounter with a fox at Crossness this morning. I first spotted her lying on the path just outside the protected area as I was walking back down from the Thames cycle path. I was wondering how close she’d let me get when she got up and started walking towards me off the path...

Then she stopped, doubled back to the path and started towards me again. This time she spotted something in the undergrowth and watched it intently for over a minute...

Just after that last shot was taken she pounced in that lovely way that foxes do – by leaping almost straight up in the air. It took me completely by surprise so no photo of it. While she was out of sight in the undergrowth I quickly adjusted my tripod for a lower angle only to find that when she came back into view it was too low. So I raised it back up again but while I was doing that she came back on to the path and carried on walking towards me. I had no chance to re-adjust again so these shots were taken from a somewhat higher angle than I would have liked...

She passed within about three feet of me – much too close to focus on. As she continued up the path she spotted something else in the undergrowth. This time I was ready for her and got the pounce but unfortunately it’s a bit obscured by twigs...

Hope she got her meal and isn’t struggling too much in the cold weather. She certainly seemed fit and healthy with no sign of mange...

A great start to the day!

Dave P.

P.s. I have said “she” throughout as I’m fairly sure that this was a vixen, but it was freezing out there so you never know!

Ukwildlifeo · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 02:17 PM

excellent photos and a lovely encounter. I've been hoping to come across a tolerant fox in all this cold weather and snow, but no luck so far.

JB9302 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 02:27 PM

Fantastic shots !

Julian

Words · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 02:46 PM

Absolutely superb series of shots. Really, really nice. Great start to the year!

Gaina · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 02:50 PM

Wonderful. I actually perused them 'full size' in the Gallery before I got to reading this post. I particularly like the one of her pouncing into the grass

mbaldw · #6 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 02:56 PM

Fantastic shots, as always Dave. Some superb hunting behaviour captured there, mate.

Cheers,
Marc.

Picidae · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2010, 09:24 PM

wonderful series of images and account - a very canny fox would perhaps recognise someone who could do the flushing for her - I wonder if that was the case and you were involved unwittingly in her hunting tactics!!

PMG · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 06:12 AM

Saw the pics in the Gallery and wondered what the story behind it was - a classic tale of being in the right place, right time, camera ready, heart missing a beat, animal doing the unthinkable but prayed for - walking right up to you and then passed and carrying on with what it was doing prior to seeing you - fantastic - I loved every word and pic - well done Dave

pressld2 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2010, 08:10 AM

Thanks for looking everyone, and for your very kind comments. I've still got a big silly grin on my face this morning which even a return to work can't shift!

Dave P.