Red Foxes

[B & B Formby]

Hi, had a wonderful suprise this morning whilst walking my dogs in Formby woods. It was 9.30 am so not that early. We saw one fox chasing a rabbit, and then 5 mins later, we saw three foxes all together, the one in front ran when it saw my dogs, which promptly chased after it and then the other two came out and ran in different directions. Thinking of setting up tomorrow morning to see if I can get photos of them (without the dogs of course) Anyone know anything about their habits. Would they have been mating and are they likely to be back in the same area ?

[camo]

Yes they will be back however they may be skittish after your dog chased them. I would suggest you find a spot that is downwind of a a good viewing area. Try to find a couple of tracks that cross over as that will give you long distant views as well as close ups. The wind direction really important that as you look it is blowing towards you.

Secondly camoflage is also important and you need to cover up your hands and face. Whilst most people wear sensible clothes they invariably miss the most obvious light areas of the face and hands. At the least wear gloves and where possible a balacalva.

Try baiting, get yourself a dead road kill rabbit open up its stoumache and peg it out somewhere where its scent is blowing away from you and into cover likley to hold Charlie Fox.

When you do get him in your sight be very careful when to click your shutter you wont get many shots off before he will be disturbed so make sure all your settings are correct in preperation and try to mak the operation as quiet as possible.

If you are lucky be careful to leave with out disturbance as that will affect future opportunities. if the Fox is disturbed he will soon change his habits. Dont theink that just because a town fox is bomb proof a rural fox is the same they are very spooky and you need to prepare.

Oh and leave the dog at home otherwise you have no chance!

Roy