Maybe, just maybe, foxes can’t really smile but they sure as hell can jump. Yesterday in the mountains this young one proved it.
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Relative to “his” position I was on an elevated road so even though I was close I think that made him feel safe so he showed absolutely no concern with my presence. When he eventually did look back at me I swear he was smiling but I’m sure I only had that impression because that’s the look I used to get from my dog when he seemed happy and wanted to play.
But moments after I snapped this photo his demeanor changed dramatically.
1/3200, f/9, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
After he took about four steps forward (note the changing position of the rock in the background in these first photos) things got real serious real fast.
He’d either heard or seen something directly in front of him and he was now in full-blown hunting mode. I could see his ears changing the direction they were pointed as they honed in like radar on what I suspect was either a vole or a ground squirrel in the tall grasses directly in front of him (although the potential prey could have been just about anything).
1/2000, f/9, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
He crouched to spring on the prey.
1/2000, f/9, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The beginning of the pounce.
1/2500, f/9, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
All that tension in his body released like a spring and he really stretched out as he launched toward the prey. Even though I planned on this eventuality by leaving as much room to the left as possible I was both happy and lucky to keep all of him in frame at this point in the jump. I was and continue to be surprised and impressed by how long his body stretched out. This is one lithe and finely-tuned athlete.
When he landed in the tall grass he came up empty but it wasn’t for lack of trying. In the past I’ve photographed coyotes pouncing on prey but I’ve never captured a wild canid in a more athletic posture than this one.
Like all of my images this one isn’t perfect but I’m very happy to have captured it. It made my day, actually.
Ron
Wow! What a fun series of photos!!!
Fantastic series, these are one of my favorite animal, I wish I saw them more often. Unfortunately in Utah like the coyote they are not valued.
He is adorable, and fun to watch. Thanks Ron!
Superb series Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
No rodents were harmed during filming or “The Case of the Outfoxed Fox.”
Fun post, Ron.
Thank you, Lyle.
WHAT a beauty. Whether or not the fox was smiling (and I lean towards the affirmative) this encounter would have had me smiling all day.
Thanks, EC.
Beautiful pictures of a beautiful animal. I can imagine why anyone would want to shoot one. Maybe he was happy to see the camera and performed for the audience.
I can’t imagine either, Betty. Sickos if you ask me.
Depends on whether or not they have your cat or chicken in their mouth!
What a delightful series of photos. And I agree with you that the fox was smiling. They are very playful and this one was probably enjoying your presence.
Smiling or not I like his expression. Thanks, Melanie.
Wonderful series. Beautifully sharp and clear.
I’m glad you like it, Dan.
Yes, those are good action photos of a pretty Red Fox. I guess there are a few around here where I live, but have never seen them. Thanks for posting them.
Thanks, Trudy.
You know that old canard “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed ” ? That first shot on this post was to me the essence of the saying–what a gorgeous critter ! Thanks
for a wonderful series………
Thank you, Kris.
Gorgeous fellow! Series really shows the changes in body posture… 🙂 And then they can curl up in a tight little ball – one would never guess from that they could stretch out THAT far!
You’re right about the contradiction in perceived body length when they’re stretched out vs. curled up. Thanks, Judy.
Not fair! Where’s the Paul Harvey rest of the story with Photos? Did you see a tail wag with a successful capture pounce? Personally, I’d conclude this as a mature Male Red Fox with a “snow ball” tail tip with his Winter shed completed and now showing the lean Summer coat. Otherwise, great dramatic photos.Don.
Don, I didn’t see a tail wag indicating success – as I mentioned he “came up empty”.
Perhaps you’re right about the age of the fox. I’m no expert, he just looked young to me.
Would definitely have made my day Ron. Outstanding series of a beautiful and very athletic animal. Like their coyote cousins they sure can spring after their prey. Have only run into one once here and he or she quickly disappeared into thick brush before I could even get focused. I think you were fortunate that he sensed there was prey there and he was not going to run off. Great series.
Thanks, Everett. I see coyotes more often but occasionally a fox seems to appear out of nowhere.
Man, they may not be perfect to you, but they certainly are to me! What a fantastic day you had, I can imagine the euphoria that occurred while photographing this behavior. I would have been in seventh heaven.
I wonder, as a young fox, his lack of concern from you or your vehicle is because he hasn’t had any unpleasant experiences yet with vehicles or humans?
This is such a great post, many thanks for sharing.
Dick, I’m only guessing as to why he was so unconcerned with my presence but it was pretty unusual in my experience with them. Typically someone eventually shoots foxes around here so I hope he becomes more wary very soon.
I’m fascinated by foxes. What a terrific series. That last one is truly spectacular. He looks to be in good health too.
Thanks, Arwen. Yup, he’s a fine specimen.
Great series of photos. It reminded me of a time when I was out riding my horse in some very tall grasses when suddenly a fox sprung up in the air also pouncing on something. It was very cat-like and very entertaining as it continued to spring up and down unaware that I was nearby.
That would have been fun to see. Thanks, Cindy.