Now for the last couple of years I have tried and tried to shoot badgers and foxes. I know where they are, or were, I know the general area they in and I even used stealth cams to find out there habits. But down to time and luck I have never managed a single shot. Until the end of April when I went for a stroll, thought about checking the earths and sets I had ignored for a year.
There were a few new earths, but nothing moving. Then out of the corner of my eye movement. The oldest earth of all had a baby fox wandering around its rim. I left quickly. Returned the next day. Tried to find a spot without any distractions, which was hard due to the fallen trees, cut the autumn before. Eventually I had a very narrow gap, but it was dark and the BG overly bright. So my angle increased upwards. At that point I was willing to take wat I could get. With pounding heart I started to shoot.
5 fluffy balls in all but it was impossible to get much interaction. I did not want to hang around too long as the foxes around here are shy (I have only seen a handful in 10 years). I checked back twice and noticed movement. The next visit with my camera however was all quiet, a large cobweb strung over the earth told me they had been moved.
Since then I have found literally dozens of holes, I have higher hopes for next year now and a better idea of when and where to look. That said I was over the moon to get the few usuable shots I did get.
Yummy
Not so nice when mum delivers one of my chickens though.Very appealing whatever.
JR
Posted by Paul Whippey on June 21, 2013 at 7:35 PM
Superb Neil. You've captured an extremely elusive (for good reason ) mammal. Cute to the extreme too!
I've also been working hard to locate some foxes. They are such difficult animals. I've used trailcams, tracking, talking to locals etc. I appreciate your hard work to get this one, so respect to you!
A considerate neighbour of mine has got a cockerel, so foxes are extra, extra welcome in these parts! Send them over here John.
Posted by Nick Mckeown on June 22, 2013 at 7:09 AM
Now that is a very young cub! Great expression Neil and lovely light. Foxes are very wary and for good reason due to centuries of persecution. If Mum detected your presence (she may have been watching you nearby) and with the cubs being so young she will have moved them for safety. It's a pity as the interaction when they get older is great stuff to watch. Any chance of locating them again and trying when they are a bit older?
I suspect the camera shutter noise may be the potential issue - the cub has clearly clocked your position so any nearby adult would be attuned in the same way. Cub has just passed the initial black stage with red fur emerging. I can't really add any advice as I've not done any earth photography
I had a similar experience a couple of years ago, but they got used to me and a few treats went a long way
Posted by Neil Burton on June 23, 2013 at 12:05 PM
Thanks guys. The cubs were rather friendly, and never batted an eyelid. As for the parents, well who knows, the earth is only 30 yards or so from a bridal path so it would be understandable they were moved once they started moving around. Still I had a magical moment or two and have learned from it.
Discussion
12 repliesThere were a few new earths, but nothing moving. Then out of the corner of my eye movement. The oldest earth of all had a baby fox wandering around its rim. I left quickly. Returned the next day. Tried to find a spot without any distractions, which was hard due to the fallen trees, cut the autumn before. Eventually I had a very narrow gap, but it was dark and the BG overly bright. So my angle increased upwards. At that point I was willing to take wat I could get. With pounding heart I started to shoot.
5 fluffy balls in all but it was impossible to get much interaction. I did not want to hang around too long as the foxes around here are shy (I have only seen a handful in 10 years). I checked back twice and noticed movement. The next visit with my camera however was all quiet, a large cobweb strung over the earth told me they had been moved.
Since then I have found literally dozens of holes, I have higher hopes for next year now and a better idea of when and where to look.
Keith.
Not so nice when mum delivers one of my chickens though.Very appealing whatever.
JR
I've also been working hard to locate some foxes. They are such difficult animals. I've used trailcams, tracking, talking to locals etc. I appreciate your hard work to get this one, so respect to you!
A considerate neighbour of mine has got a cockerel, so foxes are extra, extra welcome in these parts!
Nick.
I suspect the camera shutter noise may be the potential issue - the cub has clearly clocked your position so any nearby adult would be attuned in the same way. Cub has just passed the initial black stage with red fur emerging. I can't really add any advice as I've not done any earth photography
A very engaging image
Quality wildlife photography, Mr Burton
Andy...
Bob