Vicki Fox > Guests > PEI Foxes > 2000 Journal 3Q

PEI Foxes - 2000 Journal : July to September

6 Jul

Email from Tom

The vermine are back. I guess looking for mice more than any effort on my part. Herbie cut hay all day yesterday and the weather overnight was so windy and dry he was able to bale everything they had cut and is cutting again tonight. A fox came last night and took the biscuits below the trees and this morning there was nice fresh scat where they had been. I was back early with the lawnmower to cut the lane and around the hutka. I forgot to mention last night I saw our mother partridge again but only one chick as far as I could tell. She was on the loop road just above the new road I cut thru last year. I left her some cheerios and dropped a few there again tonight. It was after eight this evening when I was back there, Jamie was cutting in the big field and David (his father) was working in the baler near the hutka. I stopped and chatted a minute and we both remarked on the absence of any sign of foxes. I drove on and just as I approached the sitting rock there was one, with a pup, or a big pup with a smaller one, just up from the berm. (top of the hill/top of the spruce trees) They watched me until I moved the car, ran to the top of the berm and stopped to look again before trotting into the woods. I left cheerios on the berm but had only one dogggie bone to leave by the now drying scat. So, they are back.

7 Jul

Email from Tom

Bad news about the foxes, we have coyotes also. Ronnie, Herbs brother is cutting and yesterday he saw four in the big field but at the same time two foxes whom they didn't seem to be bothering. Jamie cut until dark last night and said when he was going home he saw a fox in the field not far from our garden. The foxes Ronnie saw were probably the same ones I saw. Last night there was a lot of yapping back there which i assume may have been the foxes.

21 Jul

Saw a gorgeous silver fox in the field next to the hutka early this week. I stopped the golf cart and talked to him for about 10 minutes. He huddled next to a hay roll, but his head and ears were fully visible and trained on me. His ears twitched so I knew he was listening. When I started the golf cart, he streaked for the safety of the hedge row. Yesterday Tom say a shabby and shedding adult red fox. He said she didn't seemed particularly alarmed when the tractor rolled by; she just took precautions by going into the pine plantation.

I've not been feeding at the top of the hill (the berm) because last year the crows got the most of it. However, Tom said he saw an adult and pup sniffing around there. Soooo, last night I left a big helping of turkey salad in the old mosquito-ridden place at the top of the hill. I was rewarded with two pieces of scat; an adult and what appears to be juvenile. At the new place on the stone at the top of the reoponed lane where I left Milk Bone, the same type of "thank you" note. (I'm not using the sitting rock because the crows like it also). I guess I'm easier to train than the foxes.

24 Jul

Afternoon: Went back into the woods to "dump" some 3 day old potato salad at the feeding sites. By the ledge in the loop road there was fresh scat - and I mean really fresh. At the final site by the first turnaround I saw a dark flash running from the stone where I leave food into the woods. All that was sticking out of the ferns and brush was a fox tail. I laughed at this "ostrich" behavior. As I got closer with the golf cart even the tail disappeared. Was it the silver fox? I don't know. It's not far from where I saw him before. Anyway, left the potato salad and talked and called "kit kit" for a few minutes. Coming back something made me check the rock outcrop at Sunset ridge. We haven't been going there this summer as potatoes were planted almost up to it. However, I circled by having just enough room for the golf cart. There was semi-fresh (not older than 2 days) at the old feeding place there. Now I wonder who is being trained???

Coming home down the reopened lane found fresh scat at the new feeding rock. Evening: Took leftover roast beef and bread pudding out tonight. Also followed my newphews advice and took a broom stick along. He tells me crows think it's a gun barrell and stay away. Not a single crow out tonight so didn't get a chance to try the broom stick. Left food at the top of the hill (where I didn't want to this year but fresh scat left there several times seems to say "leave it here, dummy") and at the head of the reopened lane. I then drove the golf cart up into the middle of the field where I could view both sites. I wasn't there more than 30 seconds when I lovely taupe colored fox came out of the spruce trees and ate the goodies on both sides of the lane. I talked to 'her' the entire time, calling "kit Kit" each time she took a bite of mashed potato or bread pudding. At one point she took a large piece back into the spruce trees, but came back in a minute. I nattered away to her the entire time and she didn't seem fazed. I was about 100 feet away. Is it someone from previous years? I don't know. But this is the FIRST TIME this year a fox has come out at our appointed time and in response to my calling.

25 Jul

Tom and I took a tour of the woods. I left some Fruit Loops at the 3 feeding sites in the woods. As we were coming out, I saw a dark streak running across the road at the 3rd feeding site (stone before 1st turnaround) just as I did yesterday afternoon. Again because of the sun in my eyes and the fox moving so fast I can't tell if its the silver fox or just a dark one in the shadows. The white tip of the tail tells me its definitely a fox.

As we were coming back to the house we turned at the bottom of the spruce trees to go along the pine plantation. I yelled "stop" and Tom applied the brakes so well I nearly flew out of the cart. There, at the edge of the pine trees sat the taupe colored fox I saw last night with a little pup. Lots of dark markings on the pup - who disappeared in a flash. The adult sat there for awhile and then turned into the pine trees after the pup. I didn't want to disturb them so we backed up to take the main lane to the house. There, in a "bald" spot in the grassy lane, right at the bottom of the spruce trees, was some juvenile fox scat. Evidently being trained to "mark" - or perhaps call for room service. Had to reward the effort with some Fruit Loops.

Evening: As I approached the curve in the lane going up the hill, I saw something run into the spruce trees. The Fruit Loops by the juvie scat were gone. I left some turkey and continued on up the hill on the lane between the trees. Left bits at the top of the hill and went to the site at Sunset Ridge. Doubled back to the head of the reopened lane and left treats. I came down the reopened lane and was cutting across to the lane at the top of the hill when I stopped and was ready to steam. It looked like a crow sitting at the top of the hill. I inched closer and saw it was a charcoal grey - nearly black - fox pup with the cutest white tip at the end of a black tail. I crossed the lane and was about 80 - 90 feet away. I started talking and calling "kit kit". It ran into the trees, only to come out a minute later and finish cleaning up all the tid bits. It then started to trot up the lane, coming right at me. There was a bark and it quickly turned around and went into the trees. I backed up and waited for 5 minutes at the reopened lane to see if the pup and/or adult would come, but no action except crows cawing. As I went down the lane between the trees, there was a flash into the trees again so I assume I startled the pup or its mother.

I looked at the video tape from two years ago and I'm 90% positive the mother is Smokie - the gawky yearling baby sitter for Darling and Dufus in 1998. It would make sense as Smokie knows me - but I'm still astounded the pup was allowed to "browse" alone tonight. (I assume mama was in the trees) From the color of the pup I wonder if the silver fox still hangning around isn't the father. What a day!!!!! Now to name the pup - this is the year for a name starting with "F".

26 Jul

Morning: Did the tour of feeding sites in the woods. Saw the silver fox dash into the trees. No doubt about it.

Evening: The little pup came out, alone again, as soon as I had left the food and got myself settled. I had the video camera with me so got some good footage of him/her. S/he is absolutely nonchalant about my presence. Was about 70 - 80 feet from the feeding site tonight. No problem as far as the fox went. The pup had enormous fun trying to catch butterflies. Arcs, leaps, alerts . . . poor thing, doesn't have another fox to play with. But very self assured at any rate. We spent 45 minutes together and I was starting to be bothered by mosquitos. Fortunately the wee fox decided to go into the trees, so I took off. Think I'll name him/her Flower. (Bambi's skunk friend was Flower and this pup is nearly as black as a skunk.) I'll try it for a day and see if it fits.

27 Jul

Morning: An orange/red fox was waiting at the top of the reopened lane (now called the Old Lane). The sun was behind it so couldn't tell more than the color. From the outline it looked either young or completely shed out. No ruff around the neck. The tail was bushier than a pup's but not a full brush. The white tip was about 2". As soon as I got 40 feet away, it melted into the potato patch. I left some food which was gone when I returned. Fresh scat everywhere in the woods, but no sign of the silver fox.

Evening: Had an appointment so didn't spend more than 20 minutes at the top of the hill. Smokie went streaking across the field, jumped in surprise when I spoke to her, and then she continued her dash into the trees, not to emerge while I was there. However, the food at the bottom of the spruce trees was gone when I went back to the house. No sign of Flower.

28 Jul

Fresh scat thru the woods. I'm not taking the hint and leaving food at any place other than the original sites. No sighting this morning.

Evening - left food at the top of the hill, then the top of the old lane (formerly reopened lane) and finally sunset ridge. Coming back I could see a lovely orange/gold/red fox at the top of the hill. I got myself situated where I could shoot some video and the fox walked off. I waited but it didn't come back. Went to the food site and found all the strawberries and raspberries gone, as well as the bread bits. Evidently I didn't scare the fox off, the food just ran out. I waited 10 minutes more but no more fox sightings. (And why should they when the food is gone?) I'm not sure I know who this creature was tonight. S/he was very calm and didn't seem alarmed at my presence. I leave tomorrow for 4 days in Chicago. Tom promises to do the catering rounds for me.

30 Jul

Email from Tom

I took the golf cart and at the top of the first rise I could see a red fox with a large black object in front of it in front of the trees in the low area between the lane between the trees and the corner at the pine trees. A little farther it was out of sight behind the potatoes and just short of the culvert I saw it was a red fox with two black pups. They were watching me as I crept along the lane towards them. Just short of the turn they got restless and one of the pups went into the trees. The other two watched as I threw fruit loops and called kit kit. The other pup took a few steps towards me and I kept calling but it sat down and watched until I got tired of the game. They sat and watched as I drove away. I left some more at the berm and a milk bone on each of the rocks at the top of the lane. I had a shovel with me and took time to do a little work at the brook. The rain (another inch and a quarter) has caused more erosion by the brook culvert so I filled that as best I could and then smoothed out the ruts at the top of the potatoe field. I need to take the tractor back to fill the holes by the brook culvert.

All the food I left in the woods this morning was gone so left a milk bone (broken) at each feeding area.

When I got back the milk bone I had left on the way back was gone from the stone on the right but not from the ones under the trees on the left. I wonder if the crows did it but I never saw any. The handle of the shovel in the back of the golf cart may have influenced them. All the bread I left there last night and on the berms at the top and bottom of the trees was gone this morning. All the fruit loops from the berms was gone and one pup was still laying in grass where they were when I went back, watching me. I threw more fruit loops and called and sat until the mosquitoes arrived but it would not move. When I got to the culvert it was still there and had not moved when I got to the first rise where I could see it again. Guess I left too much food and it was full.

31 Jul

Email from Tom

I took the Buick back this morning, left food (date turnovers) and went on to do the Osprey and circle roads. All food was gone when I got back so someone was waiting. I didn't leave any more. As I turned the corner from the back field into the big field there was a fox in the lane ahead of me. It took off into the hedge row, I think more from me acchelerating to make the grade between the fields, because as I rounded the corner it was running but looking back. It was a red one.

I coasted down between the trees so as not to disturb any that might be where they were sunning themselves last evening but none were there. Going to Corbett's for dinner so won't make evening rounds.

3 Aug

Morning: George and Nancy Stephens (from the fox newsgroup) were here this morning and we went back to the woods to do the morning feed. Not only was it raining, but no one showed up. Wouldn't you know!!!!

Evening: The foxes have been leaving scat on the old sitting rock - which I had eliminated from a feeding site this year. I finally gave in and left food there. You see? I train easily. Sunset ridge had new scat today as did the grass in front of the hutka. Tom went with me for the evening feed so he could operate the camera. A lovely red adult came to feed. Very cautious. Didn't like us sitting on the hill top so she went into the spruce trees. We moved to the old lane and she came out and allowed us to film from there. She didn't let us get too close so I don't think it's one that new us as a pup. Need to review the video.

4 Aug

Lots of new scat in the woods, but no sighting this morning. Reviewed the video tape from last night and that was Smokie that came to the top of the hill. What made her so cautious I wonder. Evening: Smokie came right on cue but still would not allow us very close. Either this is Smokie's twin or something has frightened her off. I'll go by myself tomorrow night and see if that makes a difference.

5 Aug

Pinched nerve in my arm made movement too painful to do the fox hunt. Tom went in my stead. Smokie came out promptly. She let him get closer to her tonight. Hmmmm, maybe it's ME she objects to. No sign of Flower. Glad I got a little video.

6 Aug

Smokie showed up promptly tonight. But no sign of Flower or the other black pup that Tom saw. Last week Smokie was there with two pups - now, nothing. However, from the many sites marked with juvenile fox scat, the pups are still around. Maybe it's a case of Mom "deserves a break today" and Dad is teaching them to hunt.

10 Aug

It's done nothing but rain for the past several days. However, we did the fox hunt in the Buidk tonight. Smokie came out for treats and I'm glad we were wise enough to park far away - about 200 ft. She didn't recognize the vehicle and was very, very skittish. My friend Harriet is visiting and remembers Smokie from when she was baby sitting Dufus and Darlin.

This morning we made the rounds back in the woods. I called "kit kit" at the first food drop. When we were coming back from the 3rd food drop, all the food at the first one was gone. But - no sight of the silver fox. Something has made these foxes very cautious this year, and I'm not about to interfere with it. No idea where Flower is.

11 Aug

Morning: Lots of new scat. From the amount "left behind" I'd guess we have at least 5 or 6 foxes living here. Got a glimpse of a tail disappearing into the brush, but that's it.

Evening. Smokie was waiting for the "catering cart" but wouldn't come out to eat the Fruit Loops at the top of the hill until we were safely past the sitting rock. When we turned around to come back, she sat without moving as we were obviously too close. We sat and stared, she sat and stared and it was a check mate. Finally Smokie flopped down and stretched out as if to say "I'll rest while I wait you out." Hate to say it, but she won. At least the mosquitos did. After 10 minutes we gave in and drove home with arms flapping at the annoying buzzing insects.

12 Aug

Great thrill tonight. Smokie and Flower came out to eat and spent nearly 30 minutes with us. We left first as they were just lying in the grass looking at us. They both appreciated the strawberries and chocolate chip cookies at the top of the hill. They were waiting in the old lane; probably wanting to get to the sitting rock and the food site at the top of the lane. As we started to move off, Smokie ran to where Flower had been and they were both in the safety of the pine trees. When I saw Flower alone earlier this month, she was quite brave. Now she has adopted the caution of her mother. What was interesting is there was no "kissy kiss" after eating or licking the strawberry juice from the grass. All the other pups have done this - even at this age. Perhaps Flower is just not affectionate or didn't feel the meal warranted such behavior. Another interesting thing was that there was very little interaction between them. It was almost as if two individual foxes were doing their own thing. They made no recognition of each other until we were leaving and Smokie ran to where Flower was.

14 Aug

Both last night and tonight the mosquitos have been so bad they have driven me off. Guess from now on I'll have to wear my mosquito suit.

My friend Harriet has been visiting and she donated the rest of her salmon dinner (from the Blue Goose restaurant) for fox food tonight. We made all the drops. As we sat in the midst of the field, a red fox I haven't seen before came to the bottom of the spruce trees to eat. She started to come up the lane but the camera made noise and scared her off. After a few minutes Smokie appeared. By this time I was covered with mosquitos and as much as I wanted to watch Smokie knew I had to escape. Harriet and I drove down the old lane and waited at the bottom where mosquitos weren't so bad. Smokie came back and ate a little, but the golf cart squeaked and off she ran. We drove down the hill and at the fork I said let's drive back up between the trees and see if she came back out. We got to the bottom of the spruce trees (first food drop) and Smokie was at the top of the hill enjoying salmon. She saw/heard us and ran into the trees. A few minutes later Flower dashed across the lane to join her. We waited another 10 minutes before the swarm of mosquitos discovered me and I had to leave. Left some fruit loops at the bottom of the spruce trees. We no sooner got turned around and about 200 feet back toward the house when Flower emerged from the trees to clean up the cereal. I think I should change her name to Flighty because that she is. Smokie is impossible - but as long as I can get within camera range of them shall continue the rendezvous.

15 Aug

Went alone on the fox hunt tonight. Harriet gone back to the States and Tom doesn't return until tomorrow. Some fox(es) is/are having very very loose stools; could be all the wild raspberries in season, but sure makes a mess of all the feeding spots.

Parked right next to the sitting rock tonight. Had my mosquito suit on but the nasty insects still found my ankles and fingers. Smokie came to the top of the hill after sitting and staring at me for a few seconds. A student pilot was making wide lazy 8s overhead in a noisy single engine plane. It didn't bother Smokie in the least. She ate from both sides of the lane, but kept looking down hill (which is out of sight from my parking spot) as if another fox were down there. Never saw another one, but her behaviour surely indicated so. I eased the golf cart down the hill and thru the "triangle" (made by the lane, spruce trees, and sitting rock) to the old lane. Smokie left the top of the hill and stood next to the cover of the trees, but didn't actually go in them. This is progress. My fingers and ankles have no more space for a mosquito to bite.

17 Aug

Have given up hoping for a sighting on the morning round, tho I know a fox (or foxes) is in the trees watching. However, tonight brought fantastic results. A new ginger colored pup appeared. This must have been the one I saw briefly on the lane last week. Anyway, she came running out of the spruce trees with Flower and her little tail was going in circles so fast I was afraid it would act like a helicopter rotor and lift her off the ground. I was struggling to get the camera turned on as she and Flower romped. I no sooner got the camera focused and aimed than Flower ran into the trees. All this time an adult fox was watching from about 20 feet away and at the tree line. I think it was Smokie, but the adult didn't come out to eat. The little red, who shall be named Flirt, had a grand time with cold boiled new potato and some Fruit Loops. Tom came chugging up the old lane in his golf cart. I motioned for him to stop and go back. He waved back at me. I motioned harder and he waved again. As he circled next to me Flirt ran off. I told him what my arm motions meant. (I felt like Hyacinth in "Keeping Up Appearances") Anyway, we motored side by side to Sunset Ridge and then he went down to the brook. I came back down the old lane and Flirt was trotting up toward the sitting rock. She spotted me and ran to the safety of the spruce trees. P.S. Tom just returned and said Smokie and Flirt were by the spruce trees when he returned.

18 Aug

Smokie came out first. Like a whirling dervish, Flirt came out from the spruce trees on the other side of the lane. She ran up to smokie, showed great obeisance with much tail wagging and danced to the food site. Smokie moved away and let Flirt have the hill top to herself. Suddenly Flower came out of the trees and bowed to Flirt, rolled over on her back and gave a series of crying yelps. Flirt straddled her and barked. Flower scrubbed along on her back and finally righted herself and ran crying into the trees. Smokie disappeared after her. Flirt cleaned up the hill top. My cousin was with me tonight and we decided to go down the old lane and see if any activity at the bottom of the spruce trees. The food was gone and I was in the process of opening the cool whip container for more fruit loops when we noticed Flower at the top of the hill. We surprised her and she ran off. Who would have believed that Flirt would be dominant. And where has she been all this time?

19 Aug

Smokie came alone.

20 Aug

Out for dinner. Back at 8:00 which is 1/2 hour past feeding time. Tom took me up in the old Toyota because it was starting to rain. Left Raisin Bran and toast for treats. Didn't wait to see if they came out or not, but on our way down Smokie and Flower were at the bottom of the spruce trees. Flower ran into the trees, but the car didn't seem to bother Smokie - tonight.

21 Aug

Ham trimmings, au gratin potatoes and yellow beans were on the fox menu tonight. At the top of the hill, Smokie came out first, followed by Flirt. Flirt was in ecstasy over the ham trimmings and her little tail was wagging so hard it nearly spun her around. Flower came out and Flirt bowed, wagged, and bowed again with much obeisance. Hmmmm, was this to make up for the other night? No dominance here. However, Flower was most unforgiving and neither bowed back nor wagged her tail. She went into the trees. Smokie grabbed something edible (couldn't see if it was ham, potatoes or beans) and went into the trees. I wonder if she was taking food to Flower. If so, what a spoiled child Flower must be - unless Smokie was keeping the two apart. She came out shortly and continued eating. Flirt trotted down the lane. As it was starting to sprinkle I started for home down the old lane. When I got to the fork at the bottom of the spruce trees I could see Flirt happily eating from the food drop there. She was content to have me watch her from a distance of 150 feet. Probably thought if this two-legged creature was too dumb to come in out of the rain, might as well let her watch.

22 Aug

Flirt was out at the top of the hill very promptly, and picking out the choice ham bits leaving the veggies for last. She let me speak to her without darting off and I nattered away for a bit. I ran out of conversation so started to video. Tom had been in the woods with the old Toyota. He drove out and down the old lane. Flirt jumped and turned mid-air (double axel I think) and flew into the spruce trees. Several minutes after the car had passed, Smokie came out and looked around. She was stationary, but her head turned nearly 360 degrees. She gave a very tiny "yip" and Flirt reappeared. It's as if Flirt got scared and needed the protection of mommy. Wise pup. Flirt did a kissy when she passed Smokie. It looked as if Smokie just tolerated it. Much tail "rotoring" on Flirt's part as she picked up some Fruit Loops. Smokie gleaned what was left but didn't look terribly interested. They trotted away. I waited a bit to see if they would reappear or if Flower would come out. Nothing happened so I started home via the old lane. When I got to the fork, Smokie was sitting at the first food drop at the bottom of the spruce trees. Just sitting there. So I stopped and chatted a while. She didn't seem frightened, but was wary. Soon Flirt joined her and "hoovered" the food drop area to see if anything had been missed. She romped in the grass a little and then trotted off toward the pine plantation. Smokie waited for a bit, the two of us just looking at each other, and she finally turned her back and went into the spruce trees.

23 Aug

The foxes are waiting for me at evening time now. I have to throw alot of little stuff to keep them busy until I finish the rounds and get back to take some video. It's very, very windy tonight. Smokie came out first at the top of the spruce trees, as if to reconnoiter. Seconds later Flirt came hopping (making aerial arcs) out to join Smokie. She started to trot laterally to the food drop at the hill top but suddendly spooked and ran to mother. A few minutes later she crept a few paces closer to the food and then stopped. Shortly thereafer Smokie joined her - and the three of us sat for 4 minutes staring at each other. Finally with a suggested heave of her shoulders, Smokie went to the food drop and started eating. Flirt bounced along behind her after a minute or so. After Smokie could see Flirt was established, she trotted down the lane to the bottom of the trees - I imagine to eat what was left at that food drop. Flirt was perfectly happy for awhile until she realized she was alone. She took off for the shelter of the trees. Five minutes later she bravely came back out and ate some more. Whether the food was gone or she needed company, she finally turned and trotted down the hill. The morning fox is still around but no sightings. Left alot of fresh blueberries yesterday for him. (They had been in the fridge too long.) A note of scatological interest . . . I discovered this morning that blueberries pass right through undigested.

24 Aug

Smokie was peeking out of the spruce trees at the top of the hill as I was leaving boiled potatoes, beets, carrots, and roast beef trimmings. I usually throw out some Fruit Loops to keep her busy while I finish my rounds so I can return and take video. As I was pulling the plastic cover off the Fruit Loops bowl, my hand hit the steering wheel which spilled little colored circles all over the hill top. I got out of the golf cart and was picking them up to return them to the bowl. I could see her head peeking out from time to time as if to check my progress. I finally left about 50 calories worth and continued up to the sitting rock. By the time I left the sitting rock on my way to Sunset Ridge, Smokie was ensconced on the hill top and having dinner. On my way back I parked the golf cart a little closer tonight. Smokie stared at me for a while and then continued eating. Flirt came out and made several attempts to trot to the feeding area, but kept getting spooked and jumping back. I don't know if Smokie warned her off, or she was just nervy tonight. This happened at least a dozen times.

The lane between the trees curves, and when I am parked at the hill top I can only see about 10 feet of the feeding area. Tonight was a French Farce for sure. Flirt would exit left, reenter stage right, grab some potato, exit stage right, reenter stage left. Flower came out at one point from the trees on the left, got near the food drop and turned and flew back into the trees. Meanwhile, Flirt continued her criss-cross activity. I pondered this might be two different foxes, but afraid not. Just Flirt being weird. Smokie returned and Flirt, after much maneuvering, finally was close to her. Smokie ignored her completely. Must be a bad hair day.

25 Aug

Had to feed early as we had been invited out for dinner. Also, switched from Fruit Loops to Honey Comb. (Sprecial price at the store). Flirt came out as soon as we dropped the cereal at the top of the hill. We watched from the old lane. She came by herself and was certainly not hungry as it took her close to 7 minutes to eat the first one. She sat in a coy pose (and of course I didn't take the camera because I didn't think they would be out) and looked at us over her shoulder, stretched out with back legs extended behind and front legs under her chin, the same pose but the back legs brought up under her hips, prancing around the top of the hill, and finally! Her first honeycomb. As soon as she got it in her mouth she dashed into the trees - whether to show it to Smokie or to cache it is unknown as we left in order to make our appointment in time.

After reviewing the video from last night's farce, I'm wondering if Flirt's behavior was an attempt to get Smokie to play.

26 Aug

Early engagement in town so left food at all sites at 5:00 - 2 1/2 hours before usual time. Saw no one.

27 Aug

After an absolutely gorgeous day, it started thundering and lightening around 6:00 p.m. A break came at 7:15 which is close to regular fox feeding time. I wiped off the golf cart (which was left out in the rain), took an umbrella "just in case", grabbed the food dish of ham and bread and started up the hill. I got no farther than the garden when I saw a fox waiting at the bottom of the spruce trees 2/3 of the way up the hill. When I got closer I could see it was Smokie. So either she is telling time, or picked up the habit of previous foxes of listening for the back door to slam and the cart or car start up the hill. When I got about 70 feet away she ducked into the trees. I left her some ham tidbits. When I reached the top of the hill I looked back and she was poking her head out to see where I was. I finished the circuit and came back by the sitting rock to observe. Both Flirt and Smokie were earnestly picking the food bits out of the grass. Suddenly it started to sprinkle, so I opened the umbrella. The noise of the final whooosh and snap open startled Flirt and she ran as if a banshee were after her. Smokie started at me for a few minutes and it started to rain harder. I finally decided to let them get wet as I headed for the safety and dry towel of home.

28 Aug

Smokie was waiting at the bottom of the spruce trees. Our niece was with me and we got about 70 feet away before Smokie darted into the trees. Did the food rounds. Smokie came to the top of the hill and scouted things before Flirt dared to come out. Nothing of interest to report . . . EXCEPT - very fresh coyote scat found at the very back of the woods.

29 Aug

Made the morning rounds and finally saw the silver fox again. As I returned from the 3rd food drop I could see #2 and #1 had already been consumed. I looked up toward #3 which is on the hill, and saw him siloutted against the light. I think I shall call him Sly. This evening brought a new red pup out. Fortunately I took our video camera along tonight and got pictures of Smokie, Flirt and the new pup I shall call Frolic. I'm beginning to think now that what I thought was a French Farce the other night was, in fact, two red pups. They are both the same size and were extremely playful tonight. Up on their hind legs dancing with each other, and playing leap frog over each other's back, with Smokie tolerating Frolic jumping over her back. Unfortunately, the distance was misjudged and the pup landed on Smokie. She stoically kept her ground. Frolic ambushed Smokie several times, taking a running leap and landing on her back on purpose. Even crawling underneath her and trying to tip her over. Most amazing, Smokie even did a kissy-kiss with one of them. There were somewhat behind the rise of the ground so all I could see were the heads. Not sure which one she was affectionate with. There was much running and chasing and leaping and arcing. You could just feel the good spirits. They politely ate some of the strawberries I put out but are definitely more interested in the evening social hour than the food. They look very well groomed and fed. I haven't seen Flower for some time. I have a strong hunch that Flower is a male and has started dispursement practice. They may go for a week, come back, go out again, return, and finally leave for good. I've probably ruined him with all his fox friends by calling him Flower. If he doesn't show up soon, I'll know he's dispursed and will change his name. Today was a real bonanza.

30 Aug

It was a hot day but turned cold and windy about 6:00. Went early to feed tonight (7:00) as I'm trying to move it up a little as the days grow shorter. When I got to to the spruce trees at the bottom of the hill, I looked up and there was Smokie and Frolic waiting at the top of the hill. They scattered as I came closer. Tom had installed a rear view mirrow on my golf cart but it was positioned so all I could see was myself. Last night he and our neighbor installed a longer brace so now the mirrow is in the middle and up high and I can see everything behind me. I no sooner passed the sitting rock than Frolic came out to sample the diced ham and roast beef. I quickly left food at Sunset Ridge and at the top of the old lane and then positioned myself next to the sitting rock to observe. By this time Smokie was out sniffing the tidbits. Frolic would pounce and "kill" something every few minutes before she trotted down the lane to the bottom of the spruce trees to see what I had left there. (bread bits) Flirt came out of the trees on the right and hoovered some of the food bits. Smokie trotted half-way down the hill and stopped. Evidently she could keep both pups in view from her position. Soon Frolic came back up the hill and both she and Flirt sniffed the grass, squatted and marked (both girls) and just nosied around. One kissy kiss as they came near one another, but other than that no interaction. Frolic started to prance toward where I was parked and Smokie barked and she returned. They keep looking at me but seem to have lost their anxiety. Smokie saw all was calm so trotted along the line of spruce trees at the top going east. Moments later Frolic did the same thing. Suddenly Flirt realized she was alone and high tailed it into the spruce trees. In fact, I could spot the little white tip of her tail as she ran into the brush. They dug potatoes in the field behind the house yesterday and tonight I saw crows in the empty field. Looking for gleanings? Anyway, it brought to mind I've not been troubled with crows at the fox feeding sites all summer.

31 Aug

A brand new "morning fox" today. I was returning from the 3rd food drop and it was nibbling at the second drop. It's a lovely orange/red with a sweet, sweet face. I was allowed to come within 80 feet (approx) before it darted into the woods. Don't know who it is for sure; I have an idea, but need to see it again to be sure.

Frolic came alone tonight - at least at the hill top. She kept going on the alert while looking down the lane so I can only assume someone was eating the tid bits at the bottom of the hill. However, on my way back from Sunset Ridge and while on the "raceway" by my hutka, a mother Hungarian partridge and eight little chicks were waddling along. They were getting precariously close to the top of the old lane and to the sitting rock where a fox could see them. I revved my golf cart engine as much as I could (which was very little but at least it made more noise than an electric cart) to startle them. It did. Some chicks flew into the pototo fields to the right and some into the hay field to the left. The mother stood her ground in the middle of the road until all chicks were under cover and then flapped into the hay field. Watching Frolic nibble, I also kept watch in my new rear view mirror to make sure that chick and fox didn't meet - at least while I was observing. As I was leaving, Frolic ran into the spruce trees and Flirt jumped her. I have no idea where she was hiding or where she came from. The both rolled off. P.S. The myth that a sheet of bounce will keep mosquitos away is nonsense. I had one pinned to my shirt and one pinned to my slacks. The mosquitos adored it. It may work on an urban sidewalk, but certainly doesn't in the middle of a clover field the evening after a big rain storm the night before.

1 Sep

The morning red fox is very very clever. After leaving food at the 3rd drop I went on for a ways to see Tom who was piling brush by the 2nd turnaround. After a few minutes I came back and the food at the 3rd drop was gone. However I coasted as quietly as I could and at the next rise could see the red eating at the 2nd drop. Smart - starting from the back this time. I put the brake on which made a noise and startled the fox so it flew into the woods. I didn't get a good enough look to identify it - if it's one of the previous year's foxes.

Left a chicken carcass for the foxes tonight at the top of the hill. Smokie came out first and was eventually joined by Frolic. They ate everything except the chicken carcass. Go figure. The mosquitos were having a banquet on me so I returned home at top speed after videoing just a few minutes.

2 Sep

A cold front came thru and it's chilly tonight. Was hard to leave the comfort of the fire place. Smokie and the girls (Flirt and Frolic) were out at the hilltop seconds after I had left it. I didn't even get half-way to the sitting rock; probably 60 feet away when they came out. Got some video of them enjoying a hamburg, milk bone, and a few fritos. The pups wanted to play a little, but Smokie didn't seem in the mood. Is she ever? They had fun chasing a few moths, each other, and some phantom ghosts. Left some chicken on the sitting rock and raced to Sunset Ridge and left more of the hamburg they were sharing. Raced back to Sunset Ridge to find all that I had left there gone. The clock in my golf cart said I had been gone just over a minute. Smokie was sitting at the hill top but the youngsters were gone. She was obviously waiting for them, so I can only assume they were ducking out of sight in the potato rows on their way to SS Ridge. I started for home, cutting across the triangle below the sitting rock. Smokie just sat at the hill top, completely in control and not one bit unnerved. Why they are nervous some days and not others I'll never know. No sign of Flower. Probably should have called him Fella. Too late now.

An interesting fact is that for the past week there has been no new scat at any of the food sites. Does this mean their range is established? Or that I have been adequately trained?

3 Sep

No morning trip due to church. The evening meal consisted of angel food cake, chicken drumstick bone and chicken bits. Frolic came out first, then disappeared. Flirt came out and disappeared. A revisit to the Fox Farce. Finally Flirt came and sat at the top of the hill, looking down toward the bottom of the spruce trees. She sat there motionless for 4 minutes. Frolic then came out half-way down the hill and sat looking down toward the bottom. It's as if they won't eat without permission or they need Smokie to approve the food first. I know foxes are that obediant, but these pups were eating nothing. Frolic eventually went toward the bottom and out of sight. I turned off the camera, just as Flirt went"arcing" toward the bottom in lovely big leaps. Wish I had got it on video. Tom was with me tonight and was amazed at how popular I was with the mosquitos. We did a quick check of the food sites and nothing had been eaten. After 30 minutes and no Smokie and no Flower, we headed for home. I regretted I didn't have 20 arms to scratch in all the itching places at once.