Fox in the garden this evening

[werdnal]

Just putting my son to bed, and glance out of the window. Saw something moving in the garden, and put on the outside light, to see a fox wandering around and snaffling all the food I'd put out for the birds earlier. He seemed unphased by the light being on and we all watched for half an hour - much more interesting than the TV tonight!!!!

He had shredded suet, followed by mixed poultry corn and layers pellets (our chicken food but I have spared some for the birds this week), with a chunk of bread for dessert! He wandered all around the garden, which is fully covered in snow, coming quite close to the window several times and hoovering up the various goodies he found. Sadly, just as I went to dig out my camera, he finished his meal and went on his way. We live in a very rural spot, so he is not a confident town fox, and I was surprised how close he came to the house - no doubt driven by hunger in the current conditions.

I wonder how often he comes here and we are totally unaware. We'd seen a few prints in the snow in our field this week, so knew he was around. Hopefully he'll be back.

[Wild-Woman]

I think we are more aware of the foxes at the moment for several reasons. Firstly, the snow enables us to see foxes even at a distance during the night. Secondly, as you have already mentioned the evidence of footprints in the snow and lastly, because we are in their mating season, they're going to make their presence known through the range of calls, squeals and barks that sound so eerie in the night. We have had a pair making some incredible noises on the patio and males having a territorial fight. I suspect once the males have done their bit and the females are pregnant, it will calm down whilst the vixens find a safe area to have their family.

[galanthus]

How lovely, can't think of a better way to spend some time in evening. Must be very harsh out there for all sorts at the mo

[Words]

Nice sighting. The cold weather is certainly bringing them out. Always great to see them.

[Kelly'n'Craig]

We live in a very busy area on a main road, and for the past couple of years (since the new housing development started on the old brick pitts) we've had foxes living at the bottom of our neighbours garden. I recently discovered (when one shot out and scared the life out of me.. and itself!) that they have tunnelled under our garden shed into our garden....
Tonight we have been stood outside and heard a very bizarre noise that sounded like someone kind of screaming but not quite... only to then see a fox crossing the road!
Im amazed at how many different noises the foxes actually make, as the other night they sounded like ducks!
Living in such a built up area, i really enjoy the fact we have foxes so close to us.. and im very much looking forward to this years cubs!!

[artdemole]

living on edge of sheltered bungalows overlooking valley,often when stargazing with telescope fox comes by very regular in evening.Have seen fox in morning as daylight arrives.Bark is heard several times at night with answers by another from horse field

[Wild-Woman]

We've found that the short sharp bark sound brings the mate on the scene in minutes. Sort of a location bark.