Newest Foxy Neighbors...

It's been ages since I last wrote a blog and I did have plans to write a blog last week. But those plans went awry when I wasn't able to capture a decent picture of my newest neighbors that have moved in.

I was taken completely by surprise when I opened up the back door one day and spied across the road a fox and her three young kits. A mad dash for the camera and a few clicks was all I managed before they dashed down into a drainage culvert. Still learning about my new camera, I didn't have it set on the proper settings and my results were just a blurry pic of several reddish blobs. I was so disappointed, thinking my opportunity had come and gone.

Yesterday morning, there sitting in the middle of the road was one of the foxes. It was strange to see it out in the middle of the morning, but I am guessing the overcast skies and the rain shower the night before had the foxes out searching for food this morning. I was able to catch a few quick pics this time before it darted back into it's temporary den of the drainage ditch.

I am still hoping to get a pic of all of them together before they move on. At the moment they seem quite content to live across the road, but I know it won't be long before other neighbors see them and get to talking and run them out of the neighborhood. There is a part of me that thinks, how kewl to have such neat neighbors, and a part of me that worries for their safety. So many people are unyielding in their views of living with wildlife so close. I can understand their concerns if they have small outdoor pets, chickens, etc. I have no qualms though and am more than willingly to peacefully coexist with them next door.

It is hard to explain my recent affection for my neighbors. They have captured my attention and I find myself looking at the window often to check on their den. I am realistic enough to know that they are responsible for their own well being. No feeding allowed by me. To do so would foster a dependence on an easy meal. Perhaps in time my fascination will wane and my feelings could change for my new neighbors, but for now I am enamored with them and am being quite a nosey neighbor.