On a cold winter’s day that included passing snow squallsBob and I ventured into Algonquin Provincial Park in OntarioCanada, in hopes of seeing a Spruce Grouse. Insteadwe found ourselves in the company of a Red Fox. Looking picture perfectthis Red Fox almost seemed to pose for our cameras while fine snowflakes settled on its fur.
For early Marchthe weather was seasonal…-12 Celsius with a brisk north wind…and by timesfalling snow made visibility almost nil.
We had little time for this excursion into the Park so decided to check out the forest around Spruce Bog Trail. Recent sightings of two different Spruce Grouses in recent days gave us hope that at last we might see oneand given the time of yearthe males were displaying. Despite using well-packed trails that took us deep into the woodsall we turned up were a number of Black-capped ChickadeesCanada Jaysa Downy Woodpecker and this friendly little Red-breasted Nuthatch.
After completing a circular route through the evergreenswe were brought back to the kiosk that holds a Guest Book and the suet feeder that is positioned on a tree. At least 4 Woodpeckers were on site3 Hairy’s and one Downy.
Bob and I were so focused on the tree branches above us that we totally overlooked a Red Fox that had stepped out from the underbrush and was scouting the ground for scattered bits of suet.
Bob and I kept our distance to no avail. The Red Fox seemed quite habituated and approached us where we stood. When I accidentally dropped a glovethe Red Fox was particularly curious. I retrieved my glove quickly from the ground.
We were pleased to see that the Red Fox appeared healthy with a very thick coat of winter fur. It would be able to withstand the polar air easily.
I particularly liked this portrait of the Red Fox. Given how quickly the Fox moved around the areaI was hard-pressed to keep my lens on it. In this casethe Red Fox seemed very curious about my clicking cameraand yetits expression seems to say“whatcha lookin’ at?”
Bob and I were the only two people at that location for quite sometimeand once the Red Fox established that we were not providing any foodit moved off a short distance and settled on top of a mound of snow.
At firstthe Red Fox seemed to be playing shy by hiding behind its generous furry tail.
But thenwhile Bob and I relished the company of the Red Foxit curled itself into a snug ball using its fluffy long tail to keep warm. That position was soon abandoned when the Fox’s keen ears picked up the faint sounds of more visitors alighting from cars in the unseen parking lot.
Performing a stretch and a yawnthe Red Fox was ready to impress the next wildlife enthusiasts who braved the early hour and crisp air to be there. Seeing such a prime example of Algonquin Park‘s wildlife is always worth the time and effort required.
Checkout Out Our Other Fox Encounters
Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean
Very nice write up and pictures. I’m hoping to go backpacking up there this Thanksgiving weekend (2017) and maybe get some of my own FoxPine Marten pics (saw your other posting); very nice pics and good write uptoo 🙂
JohnK
OakvilleON
thanks so muchJohn. It is always rewarding to hear from our “readers”. Sure hope you have an excellent time in the Park. Let us know what animal sightings you have. Be wary of the Moose. The males are in rut this time of the year.
WowwwwI just love all your amazing pictures!!! They are all so clear and full of meaning!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us:)
Thank you kindlyJessi. It means a lot to hear from someone who appreciates our photographs and stories. Hope you come back and check out some of our other blog posts.
Gorgeous photos! You had many wonderful sightings that day.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so muchRobin. I’m glad you got a glimpse of the wildlife in Algonquin Park through our photographs. It is a magical place in any season.