More Fun with Foxes

Went out on the sitting porch at daybreak to take yet another sunrise photo. I know they all look alike, but I can't resist. It is my favorite time of day and we have a straight shot east to the horizon through the big windows....too pretty to pass up.

Anyhow, I was standing there, camera in hand, when a faint movement caught my eye half way down the driveway.

A grey fox. We have been seeing one regularly, although not getting many photos. It jumped into the bushes and I was lamenting the missed opportunity when another one trotted up the hill. then both of them began to dart in and out of the shrubbery, pouncing and bouncing, like dogs when they get into that "cracker dog" frenzy (that's what we have always called it) racing in circles, mouths open, tongues lolling, tails J-hooked behind them. They seemed spring loaded and light as dandelion fluff. I simply was not quick enough in the low light to get any shots of all that fun, especially since I was laughing so hard. I think these were a pair of half grown pups from the video fox, as they were slimmer and less fluffy than she was (not to mention considerably less dignified).




Suddenly they vanished.
Just that quickly.
Up the driveway lolloped a cottontail rabbit, bobbling merrily along, ears waggling lazily. I set the camera on video and waited to see what might happen. It hesitated, ears up, peering alertly around.
Came a little closer.
Paused again.
Then it whirled and fled willy nilly, scut flashing bright behind it. I didn't see the foxes again...simply couldn't wait for more to happen as it was milking time, but it was a neat bit of early morning drama.
I actually hope the little vulpines catch some of the darned bunnies. It seems like a fair trade to have them to protect my garden for me since they ate all our black caps so we couldn't make jam.