Wildlife, landscape and weather photography
A throwback to this past April when I spent some time with this beautiful vixen and her kits. While she was keen on just relaxing, the little ones were, of course, quite rambunctious. I managed to catch this little one at one of the few times it wasn’t a total flurry of motion and taking a break with mama. Very cute for sure!
I’ve shared a couple of pics from my encounter with this gorgeous fox near the top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park and, clearly have more! This was definitely one of those charmed wildlife encounters that when it is over, I am crazy excited and happy about.
The fox had gone up the road and disappeared around some large rocks. Rather than follow, I guessed it might emerge on the other side and, sure enough, it did. Initially it was focused on the tundra below, no doubt hoping for a pika or marmot meal for breakfast. Not seeing any, it looked around and seemed to be a bit curious about the human that had scaled the boulders in front of it and was taking its picture.
Have a fantastic #FoxFriday, everyone!
A pretty shot of the same high altitude fox I shared a pic of a couple of days ago, this time offering a closeup view.
As I mentioned, this fox surprised me with an appearance at 12, 110 feet, not a critter you would normally expect to find in the rarified air of that altitude. It seemed to be on a mission, working its way to the highest point of the pass so I raced ahead and waited for it to come toward me and indeed it did. Here, it paused briefly looking forward the sun that was just clearing the rocks to the east making for a very nice portrait.
Have a fantastic #FoxFriday!
On my list of creatures I would expect to see at 12,110 feet, this is not one of them but it sure made for a fun encounter on Saturday!
As I neared the top of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, I rounded a corner and found I was sharing the lane with a fox heading toward the top as well. I went around it, found a parking spot, and waited as it got closer, as it continued making its way to a well-known rock formation.
I spent a good bit of time photographing the sly one, getting some great captures including a bunch of closeups. However, it is this wider angle that I almost like the best as it shows the environment, one which you wouldn’t normally find a fox. While the fox is well above timberline, you can see the valley more than 2,000 feet below behind it and some of the still-lingering snow cover on the north faces of the slopes.
You just never know what you are going to find when you #GetOutside!
After undoubtedly being out all night carousing, this beautiful red fox decided to take advantage of the warm, morning sun and get some rest.
Taken last month, I arrived to find it curled up on its favorite log. As I approached from the direction of the sun, it had a hard time seeing me and wasn’t entirely aware of my presence so wasn’t threatened. Clearly though, judging from the one eye it has slightly open, it knew someone was there. I just pulled up a spot nearby and spent some quiet time with it until it got too warm and the fox then retreated into the bushes for some shade.
A fun one for Fox Friday. Little Red Riding Hood told the wolf, “My, what big teeth you have!” While that member of the canine family was undoubtedly much bigger than this one, this red fox had quite an impressive mouthful as well.
It was a lazy weekend morning when I took this shot. The fox had stirred from its slumber and began walking around, eventually coming quite close to me. Not aware of my presence, it was quite relaxed as it worked to wake up and begin a morning hunt.
Somewhat graphic content so be forewarned but also kind of cool.
As we made our way up toward Mount Evans this past weekend, we came across this scene. A deer doe had met her demise, likely due to being hit by a car. This fox was wanting to take advantage of the easy meal.
We spent a while watching it as it tried to penetrate the hide but with no luck – although it did manage to pull the tail off, soon realizing it contained little in the way of an edible meal. This was a fun photo op and only the second time I have photographed a relatively rare silver fox so that made me happy.
In case you didn’t know, a silver fox is really just a typical red fox, but one that has a form of melanism resulting in its dark coat. Their rarity made their pelts very valuable and were sought after by nobles in Russia, Western Europe and China.
A red fox seems to hide behind its mate, wary of what is in the distance. Yes, indeed, it is Monday and it is here, for better or worse. 😉 A fun capture from last month. This pair of foxes were initially in a very visible spot but after realizing they were being watched, moved off to a more private location. I waited quite a while, hoping they would return, but when they didn’t, decided to go looking. I got lucky and found them hanging out on a log within a thick stand of trees and bushes. My approach, as you can see, did not go unnoticed.
A red fox is focused on the photographer – but not quite sure what to make of him. From my visit with a couple of foxes this past weekend, I loved the early morning side-lighting on this shot.
It has really been interesting spending time with them. If I just sit and don’t move much, they don’t mind me at all. They will walk right by me, sometimes quite close like in this case that it makes me a little bit nervous.
It was walking by, stopped, stared right at me, and certainly had to realize I didn’t belong there. But, after sizing me up, decided I was no threat and calmly walked on. Staying calm, moving slowly and keeping my camera on silent shooting mode certainly has proven to be the key to quality time with them.
Have a fantastic #FoxFriday and weekend!
I don’t think I could have asked this fox to strike a better pose. After disappearing into the bushes for nearly an hour, she emerged and sat right down, enjoying the warmth of the morning sun. She looked gorgeous in the light and here you get a nice look at those black “socks” and her full, bushy tail.
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