Monika,
This is one of the most attractive black phase foxes I've ever seen. You're so lucky to have them so accessible. It seems they are now trained to pose for you! Can't wait to see the pup images as well.
Posted by Doug Beezley on April 29, 2013 at 8:23 AM
Monica,
Great study in fox behavior; she seems so "natural" in your images - no stress because of your presence. How far we're you from her; what focal length?
Doug Beezley
Posted by Monika Chace on April 29, 2013 at 3:07 PM
Doug: 170mm
Ken: unless her cycle is significantly different from what I've seen in the area, she won't be having pups this year. Usually I'm seeing them beginning mid-April to mid-May, and she looks pretty skinny. But I'm looking forward to her litter as well!
Posted by Doug Koepsel on April 29, 2013 at 4:06 PM
The second is really nice. The framing by the dark boughs sets her off, and I like the raised leg, auburn eyes, and stalks on the right. Beautiful fox.
Beautiful silver fox! The 2nd shot is my favorite.
Interesting that there are some wildflowers starting to show already, what with all the snow and cold weather we've been having, one would think the flowering would be delayed. I haven't even seen any Pasque flowers yet (we're at 8500ft), although 1st week of May is the norm here. Weather forecast is for another 6-12 inches of snow Wednesday.
Re kits: You're right about the timing. Foxes are generally born in early March in these parts and they start exploring outside their dens at ~4-6 weeks of age. The chances of a kit being a silver phase is low, since I believe that is a recessive gene.
What a beautiful creature, and I just love how she made eye contact with you when you were shooting. I prefer #3 over #4 just because of those attractive eyes. Great work, Monika!
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on April 30, 2013 at 3:04 PM
Beautifully captured..never seen a silver fox before... unique capture...2nd and 4th are my favorites!!
Posted by Kurt Bowman on April 30, 2013 at 3:16 PM
Nice job of capturing this beauty Monika! I haven't seen a black & silver phase fox in going on three years now. Actually...I haven't even seen a fox (other than one running across a golf course) in well over a year. I miss photographing these beautiful creatures. Hope to see more images from you...at least that way I can enjoy them in some manner.
I like the first two best because of the low angle. The first is a touch better in my eyes because of the purple flowers surrounding her and the fox stands out better against that BG.
Discussion
14 repliesThis is one of the most attractive black phase foxes I've ever seen. You're so lucky to have them so accessible. It seems they are now trained to pose for you! Can't wait to see the pup images as well.
Great study in fox behavior; she seems so "natural" in your images - no stress because of your presence. How far we're you from her; what focal length?
Doug Beezley
Ken: unless her cycle is significantly different from what I've seen in the area, she won't be having pups this year. Usually I'm seeing them beginning mid-April to mid-May, and she looks pretty skinny. But I'm looking forward to her litter as well!
Interesting that there are some wildflowers starting to show already, what with all the snow and cold weather we've been having, one would think the flowering would be delayed. I haven't even seen any Pasque flowers yet (we're at 8500ft), although 1st week of May is the norm here. Weather forecast is for another 6-12 inches of snow Wednesday.
Re kits: You're right about the timing. Foxes are generally born in early March in these parts and they start exploring outside their dens at ~4-6 weeks of age. The chances of a kit being a silver phase is low, since I believe that is a recessive gene.
I like the first two best because of the low angle. The first is a touch better in my eyes because of the purple flowers surrounding her and the fox stands out better against that BG.