Vicki Fox > Guests > PEI Foxes > 1997 Journal 3Q

PEI Foxes - 1997 Journal : July to September

Jul 1

Great excitement! At the end of the fox kit encounters tonight I saw Pepper (kit from 1995). She came out of the trees, circled the car, stopped and cocked her head, twisted her ears as I talked and exclaimed over her, accepted a piece of hamburger, and trotted away. Even tho this happened at the end of the evening I just had to lead off with it. She was shedding so her coat looked pretty ratty. I also thought she looked thin. Maybe she's the mother of some of this year's kits and that's why she's thin, or maybe she's hungry and "came home" where the hunting is good. My heart is so full I can hardly express myself.

Five kits out tonight. Had some raw steak that had been in Ruth's freezer too long so she sent it over to the foxes. Also Honeycomb cereal tonight. Four little kits were stationed all along my normal route as I drove up. I was a few minutes late so they evidently sent out the reconnaissance team. Cha Cha and Curious were first at the hill top and thrilled to find such treats. Actually, they seemed to prefer the cereal to the beef. (The cereal is sweetened.) Cinnamon came out and joined them and all was going well. Suddenly I heard a crash in the trees to my right and through the branches I could see Cheddar. Most of you are too young to remember the theme music from "The FBI in Peace and War" but it is heavy, ominous music. That's all I could think of as Cheddar was charging through the brush. She gained the hill top in a few mighty strides, hip slammed Cinnamon to the left and Cha Cha to the right and stared Curious off the hill. I threw some meat out the window and Curious came up to the car and we had our own private feed and chat. Cinnamon wasn't sure he was going to abdicate until Cheddar gave a mighty bite on his neck. Cheddar wheeled around and chased Critter (who had just come up) away to much squaling and gekking and screeching. Cinnamon regained the hill, which gave Cha Cha the courage to come back. Curious wandered over just as Cheddar returned from chasing Critter. Cheddar lit into the three of them and all I could see was one huge red ball rolling over and over with the occasional tail or leg sticking out - all accompanied by barks, yelps, and yips. As the ball separated into recognizable entities, Critter (or maybe Chicken) stuck her head out of the trees. Cheddar must have sensed it for she turned and barked and Critter withdrew, not to be seen again this evening. Cinnamon barged Cheddar and Cheddar chased Cinnamon about 30 feet. Strutting back to the hill top, once again Cheddar seemed to be in time to the music from the old FBI program. Her tail was rigidly out behind her. Cha Cha and Curious felt it wasn't worth it, so came to the car and let Cheddar have the hill top. Shortly thereafter I could see (through the rear view mirror) two foxes on the sitting rock. Don't know who they were, but would assume Cinnamon and Critter. It was at this point Pepper made her short appearance. What a wonderful fox hunt.

Jul 2

A disappointing evening. Cinnamon was out, alone at first, and then joined by Critter. None of the others appeared. Cinnamon was busy taking a mouth full of bread pieces and caching them. One time right by the line of trees and another time in the middle of the lane. Duh! Critter did nothing spectacular - just nosed around and ate some bread and Honeycomb cereal. Both Cinnamon and Critter did not mind that the car was about 10 feet away. Scott was with me and confirmed that it looked as if Cinnamon was a male.

Jul 3

Four kits and one adult came running from all four directions as the car started up the hill. Left food at SS Ridge and the Hutka and as I was approaching the Sitting Rock, I could see all four kits and the adult at the end of the reopened lane. If I take too long at an earlier site, they are now coming to check on my progress - just as previous year's babes have done. As I neared the sitting rock three kits went streaking down toward the top of the hill. The adult followed them. Curious perched charmingly on the rock and didn't jump off until I left some steak. I got to the hill top and I could see several little heads poking out from under various branches watching to see what I left. Suddenly a piercing yip was heard from the sitting rock. I turned just in time to see Cheddar literally knock Curious off the rock. She tumbled onto her back, righted herself, and ran like the dickens for the hill top.

No sign of Cinnamon tonight. Cha Cha, Critter and Curious eating harmoniously at the hill top when Cheddar came bursting onto the scene and with a swing of her hips knocked Critter away. What a bully. The four of them seemed to work out individual territories within the feeding site and all was fine for a while. Curious came up to the passenger side of the car and posed prettily for a picture, accepted a piece of steak, and went bounding back to the other three. For some reason, the other three ducked their heads and showed submission when she came up. Interesting.

I noted a little fox under the trees down the lane. Looking through the viewfinder of the camera it appears to be Chicken. She was watching the whole event carefully, but too timid to come out. Farther down the lane I could see an adult head under the trees watching but couldn't tell who it was. Cheddar finished eating, knocked a few foxes out of her way as she strode down the lane, and positioned herself next to Chicken. They did the kissy thing and it looked as if Cheddar was licking Chicken's ears. Wonder's never cease. Cheddar didn't leave Chicken's side for the rest of the evening.

Cha Cha wasn't too bouncy tonight. In fact, she was rather lanquid. Finished eating and curled up on a little mound of grass right by the car and just put her head down and watched me. Critter curled up on the hill top and did the same. Curious went under the trees where I could hardly see her. The adult came up the lane, and stopped on the passenger side of the car. I got some video. I could have sworn it was Full Grey. This fox had a dirty grey throat and bib but a white chest. After I got back to the house I examined last year's video and Full Grey did not have a grey bib and only a slightly grey throat. It was NOT Pepper. This grey fox appeared to be very well fed, tho it's coat was shabby with shedding. It certainly knew me and was most unafraid. It was evidently tonight's babysitter. Biscuit has a grey throat but is only grey on the hips. Alas! Frustrating not to know. Anyway, this adult moved to the sitting rock (Curious and Cheddar had previously cleaned all the food up) and stretched itself out and from that good vantage point could watch everything the kits and I did.

I got out of the car (mosquitos be damned) to video this adult fox on the sitting rock and all the kits scattered. Since I had spent over 30 minutes with them I didn't mind. However, when I got back into the car and slammed the car door, five little heads poked out. I said bye bye and returned to the house. Haven't seen Biscuit for awhile. Wonder where she is.

Cherub went to the taxidermist today.

On another matter - Tom and I took a drive back in the woods this afternoon. When we got to the Upper Spring Road, the goshawk set up her usual screeching. As the car rounded the first curve, she came swooping down so low we actually thought she would fly into the open window on the driver's side. Thank heaven Tom was driving. It looked like she grazed the windshield as she gained altitude. This bird is not fooling around.

Jul 4

As I was coming out the back door balancing a pumpkin pie for tonight's treat, video camera, car keys, and milk bone, I heard a sharp yerf, a pause, then another. I looked up, and half way down (or up from my vantage point) the lane was one of the kits. Evidently 6:45 means 6:45 to them and not 6:50. I started the car and the kit ran through the field, hidden by the hay, to exit at the curve below the spruce trees. I drove up the reopened lane and looked across the triangle to the top of the hill and there were 4 animals waiting. I quickly deposited pie at SS Ridge, the Hutka, and as I neared the sitting rock, Cha Cha was dancing around in the lane, Pepper was near the sitting rock, and Cinnamon was running toward the hill top. None of them stayed by the sitting rock as I got out to leave food; they all ran to the top of the hill.

Cinnamon, Cha Cha, Critter and Curious out tonight. Cheddar, Chicken and Biscuit nowhere to be seen. Pepper stayed at the top of the hill as I was getting food together. Curious and Pepper sat no more than 3 feet from me as I deposited pie and dry cat food. Cha Cha was about 10 feet away. I took lots of video of Pepper and the chevron is on her chest, but the point of it is somewhat covered by long hair. She looks terrible - but is acting a little friskier than she did the other night.

Down the lane between the spruce trees I could see the mystery adult from last night. S/he got up, crossed the lane into the spruce trees on the right, only to exit and run up the reopened lane to the sitting rock. S/he cleaned everything up I had left, and once again positioned herself to watch us below. I have exhausted all my previous years video and cannot identify this fox - but it has no fear of us, that's for sure. Will call it Black Throat since that is what it has.

One of the kits tried kissy with Pepper but she didn't seem to have the energy for affection. She moved off the hill top by about 3 feet and curled up and watched everything. It was thundering and the kits weren't sure if they liked it. Curious seems to have no fear. Or, maybe she's deaf. When I called out "bye bye" Pepper is the only one who rose; the new kits haven't learned it yet. She came close to the car door and I left her some Honeycomb cereal as I drove home. Black Throat was still on the sitting rock.

A word of explanation. I've tried and tried to use the local term "pups" but it doesn't come easily to me, so am reverting to using "kits" which feels much better. I notice David Macdonald calls his Oxford young, "cubs".

Jul 5

Tom and I took our coffee and sat out on the back deck this morning. I looked where the green Toyota was parked and there was fox scat right next to it on the pavement where one would step to enter the door. Not much mouse hair in it, but a fair amount of pumpkin pie and veggies I'd guess.

At a dinner party across the road and rudely excused myself when it was fox hunt time. Fortunately my hostess, Ruth, understood since she had observed the kits by the shore. Could see the kits and Pepper lined up at various points on the lane between the spruce trees as I came up the reopened lane. I left a turkey neck at SS ridge and some turkey skin at the Hutka. Pepper was waiting as I turned onto the lane from the Hutka and raced me to the sitting rock. Those of you who remember Pepper will remember this was her old raceway. She has much more energy tonight.

Curious couldn't wait for me to leave food at the sitting rock and was waiting for me to get out of the car. She sat right by the door. I tossed her some turkey giblet as I left bread on the rock. Pepper and the others raced to the hill top. Pepper sat about 4 feet away as I was leaving food at the hill top and Curious was eating it as it fell to the ground. I left some large pieces of turkey giblet. Curious filled her mouth with them and dashed into the trees. As I started back to the mosquito free area of the car, Pepper came forward and cleaned up some beef tidbits. The bread was the last to be cleaned.

Suddenly Cheddar came striding out of the trees and cockily made her way to the feeding site. Pepper opened her mouth wide and made a hissing sound. She didn't actually move her feet toward Cheddar, but her body leaned toward Cheddar to the point their mouths were almost touching. Cheddar responded in kind, but with ears back and head lowered. Pepper hissed again and Cheddar fell backwards into a backward somersault. Cheddar whimpered and she righted herself. Pepper ignored her. Cheddar then crawled 180 degrees around the hill top on her belly, tail wagging, ears back and approached Pepper. Pepper made a noise something like a "whuff" and Cheddar actually cried and cried. It was at least a dozen - closer to 20 I'd guess - sounds high pitched like a crow's "caw". It actually sounded like crying. When I told Tom about this encounter he said "Bullies usually do cry when challenged." Pepper turned her back on Cheddar and swiped her across the face with her tail which sent Cheddar whimpering or snuffling (a mournful yerf sound) into the trees. Cha Cha and Curious were oblivious to the whole thing and seemed to enjoy hunting for cat food in the grass.

I said, in a loud voice, "which one of you left a present in our driveway this morning?" Just then Biscuit ran out of the trees. Well, that sounds logical as Biscuit used to visit our garden last year. I went back to the dinner party and related the above events.

As Tom and I were driving home (yes, I won't walk across the road) I said "let's make one more circuit". We surprised a kit (don't know who) at SS Ridge. I thought that was only for the grown ups. All food gone at all sites, but at the sound of the car everyone came out for another go around. Dessert time, I guess. Left some Honeycomb cereal at the rock and threw out a handfull at the hill top.; Biscuit came out, as did Critter, Cha Cha and Curious. Down in the lane Chicken came out and sat in the middle of the lane between the spruce trees but wouldn't come close. When we were leaving Curious and Cha Cha played the old game of "Chicken" that Pepper and Abby taught me a couple of years ago. Don't move until the car gets close. It scares the daylights out of me - but Pepper and Abby never got close to another car. Only the Toyota. We said "Bye Bye" and through the rear view mirror I could see all of them, even Chicken, looking for tidbits in the grass.

Jul 6

Ham and turkey trimmings tonight. The foxes practically shuddered with excitement and delight. Cinnamon ruled the top of the hill, but even tho he snarled and shrieked at the others, Curious and Cha Cha had their share. Pepper was waiting at the hutka and cleaned up the sitting rock before coming down to the hill top. Cheddar came out and promptly kicked everyone off the hill top. However, I'm getting smarter and spreading some of the food around in the grass surrounding the hill top. Cheddar went down the lane to investigate a wing bone I had tossed, when Pepper came walking up the lane. Cheddar immediately fell to her belly, ears back, and the most awful cry. Pepper trotted by without a glance. Cheddar scrubbed along on her belly with more of these crying noises and Pepper turned and gave a stare of - dare I say it - disdain. Cheddar rolled to her back for a few seconds, righted herself and ran into the trees. As Pepper got to the hill top, she and Cinnamon traded shrieks. I mean real shrieks. Cinnamon ducked in submission, but not a whole lot. They both had their mouths open as far as they could go it seemed, and sat and shrieked at each other.

Everyone got a nice big piece of meat, some lesser pieces, and a bone or two. I threw out dry cat food, but Curious was the only one interested. However, the big news is that Chicken came and got a big piece of ham fat. She ran off into the trees with it and made a few more attempts to come out, but by this time Pepper was ruling all.

Biscuit was seen in the distance running up the reopened lane in the direction of the feeding areas at the hutka and SS Ridge.

Jul 7

All 6 kits were out tonight plus 2 adults; Pepper and Black Throat. I took too long at SS Ridge (removing the cat food that spilled in the car to the feeding site) so Curious came down to get me. Cinnamon stood on the deck of the hutka and Pepper raced me to the sitting rock. All as usual. Had turkey bits and ham trimmings along with bread tonight. Each of the kits got some meat, but Chicken was pretty smart. Cheddar picked up a mouth full and ran to the edge of the trees with it, dropped it, and ran back for more. Chicken appeared and cleaned up the meat Cheddar had just dropped. Pepper stayed at curled up at the edge of the trees observing. Cheddar didn't seem to raise her ire tonight. I looked out the passenger window and Black Throat was curled up beside the car. I tossed some dry cat food toward him/her but it only made her melt into the trees. Pepper came over to see what was on the menu and I had a nice turkey leg bone which I tossed to her. She picked it up and went into the trees. Suddenly the air was filled with the most awful shrieks, caterwauling, and cries. I don't know what a "stuck pig" sounds like, but this had to be worse. Cheddar was nowhere to be seen, Chicken ran in the opposite direction, and Critter and Cinnamon ran into the trees in the direction of the sounds. I could hear thrashing and more cries. Cha Cha just kept cleaning up the Cheerios. She curled up in the middle of the lane and and was most unconcerned. Curious could hardly stand it. She would get some food, chew it, and then take a couple of steps toward the noise. She would then backtrack, get some more cat food, but was always distracted by the noise. The screaming did not abate for about 2 - 3 minutes. It seemed forever and I had no idea who or what was going on. I could only assume someone tried to take Pepper's bone. Another red fox (whether kit or adult I don't know) started running toward us from the swathe Tom had cut in the middle of the field, but I was out of the car at this time which made the fox run into the hay. Last year's group of foxes were sooooo quiet. This year's group sounds like a bunch of fish wives.

Jul 8

All waiting as usual. Pepper racing the car as she used to. Hash, turkey bones, ham bits (there's enough of that to last for a couple of weeks) and 12 grain bread tonight. Curious sat on the sitting rock as I was putting the food out, got a few bites, then followed me to the top of the hill. Four of the six kits were out and having a wonderful time finding bits of bone, ham fat, etc. Cha Cha came dancing out of the trees, put her nose to the air, smelled the ham, and made a flying leap for the hill top. She misjudged and landed squarely on top of Cinnamon. Cinnamon was flattened to the ground. Cha Cha executed a neat little roll off Cinnamon's head and found a piece of bread to keep her occupied. I can't swear to it, but it sure appeared as if Cinnamon never stopped eating during this indignity. Chicken ran in and out of the trees but wouldn't come to the food. I had spilled some tiny ham crumbs by the car door and Curious showed no fear in claiming them. Critter is getting braver too. Cheddar found a leg bone; much too big for her to eat, but she was afraid to put it down. She trotted around with it for awhile, frustrated that the other kits were eating. She was half-way down the lane between the spruce trees when Pepper trotted out. Cheddar immediatley rolled on her back, ears flattened, and tail whisking the ground as she whimpered the most heart rendering cries. Pepper ignored her, checked out the hill top, came over to the car, accepted some Honeycome, and trotted back down the lane. Meanwhile, Cheddar abandoned her bone and joined the group at the hill top. Pepper (wouldn't you know it) found Cheddar's bone and picked it up. Cheddar went flying down the lane, scrubbed on her belly, and "sobbed" loudly (ah-caw, ah-caw, sniff sniff, ah-caw). She rubbed the side of her face against Pepper's flank - and lo and behold - Pepper dropped the bone and went into the spruce trees. Cheddar once again ran around with the bone, not knowing what to do with it. Too big to eat, too tempting to leave. She finally dropped it where she had left it before and went into the trees. Pepper exited the trees and was crossing the triangle toward the sitting rock and hutka when Cheddar come out and was following her. Cheddar's tail was lashing back and forth, ears back, and really trying to be friendly. Pepper turned around and "snarfed" at her. They were both sitting down, Cheddar lower than Pepper, with their mouths opened toward each other. Pepper let loose a string of unladylike sounds, turned and trotted off. Cheddar whimpered a bit. Just then Black Throat came to within 10 feet of Cheddar and Cheddar ran to her, tail wagging from extreme left to extreme right, and did kissy kiss with Black Throat. Pepper does not like Cheddar - this is obvious. Could it be that Cheddar's feelings were hurt and Black Throat tried to minimize it? Do foxes actually have feelings like this? Too easy to anthropormorphize. (sp?) Meanwhile Black Throat excorts Cheddar back to the group. They all do a kissy kiss greeting. (No one greets Pepper) I toss Black Throat the last milk bone which s/he accepts graciously. S/he then trots down the lane and wouldn't you know it - finds Cheddar's bone. Black Throat picks it up and Cheddar runs to her (Black Throat might as well be designated female until I know for sure), rubs her face on Black Throat's shoulder, and Black Throat drops the bone. Cheddar picks it up, and drops it again. They are distracted by one of Chicken's rare appearances. Then Black Throat picks up the bone again - AND LETS CHEDDAR carry part of it. They both disappear into the trees.

Curious has curled up next to the car and is grooming herself. Critter is dozing in front of the car, Cinnamon is still looking in the grass for anything missed, and Cha Cha is practicing the mambo. I called out "bye bye" and all of them stood and backed off.

Jul 9

Curious and Cha Cha followed the car to Sunset Ridge. Unfortunately, the hay hasn't been cut yet so only a narrow swathe has been cut for the car to get to the ridge. They wouldn't leave the strip after the food had been eaten, so the car was in the position of following them at 3 miles an hour. They would stop, turn around, sit and finally go again. i was afraid to honk the horn. Pepper was waiting next to the deck at the hutka. Cinnamon came up and got a piece of cookie, but as Pepper moved over Cinnamon jumped away. All of 4 of them raced the car to the sitting rock, where Cheddar and Critter were waiting, with Chicken sitting down by the spruce trees next to Black Throat. I no sooner got the ham bits, bread, and milk bone out at the top of the hill then Curious, Cinnamon and Cha Cha were there. Curious came within inches of my feet. Cinnamon was king of the hill tonight. Suddenly there were the most awful screams coming from the spruce trees. Cha Cha yipped and ran in - presumably to see what was going on. The noise got stronger with some real shrieks. The air was filled with the noise. I kept watching where the sound was coming from and soon Pepper came out of the trees with Cheddar behind her, scrubbing along on her belly, tail going, ears back and crying. Pepper turned around and opened her mouth wide and shrieked some sharp barks which seemed to devastate Cheddar. Cheddar is completely cowed now; why does she keep subjecting herself to this? Meanwhile, Critter and Curious were woofing to each other conversationally as they picked Cheerios out of the grass. Cinnamon came out, did a leg over "Rear Nelson" to Critter, but other than a few snarfs, all was harmonious. Black Throat sat in the distance watching the whole thing. Chicken was snuggled as close to Black Throat as a little fox could be. Biscuit ran up the lane and Cinnamon did a kissy kiss and both disappeared into the trees. Why is my sweet Pepper so mean? She looks awful. The hair around the base of the tail is completely gone, then it fills out down to the tip. And she certainly has been having a bad hair week.

Jul 10

A neighbor stopped early this morning to let us know there was a dead fox pup by the cemetary. Tom and I went down with shovel and plastic bag. It wasn't badly damaged, but I can't keep having them stuffed so this one was slated for burial. Tom had to do the deed as I could not. He said he examined her pretty closely before "internment" and there were no mites, fleas, etc. A healthy little fox. I won't know until tonight which one it was . . . if any of mine. It could have been from a neighboring range as the cemetary is kind of the edge between two territories.

Rain all afternoon. Pepper, Black Throat, and Cinnamon showed up this evening. Pepper much, much livlier. In fact, her coat was so wet it looked black and at first I wondered if Banjo had returned. Black Throat is huge - and came and ate tonight. It's as if she knew the others weren't coming. The three of them got along beautifully. Pepper had gone into the trees and when she came out Black Throat was there. Pepper showed submission to Black Throat. No sign of the other 5 kits, so I still don't know who we buried this morning.

Jul 11

Cha Cha, Critter, and Cheddar thoroughly enjoyed the end of the turkey bones and scraps tonight. Chicken watched from way down the lane and Black Throat watched from a distance. She finally came closer and supervised from about 20 feet away. Golly she's huge - and gorgeous. And so calm. I feel a calming presence when she's around. Heard squabbling in the trees from time to time but it was "kit" voices and not all that angry. No sign of Pepper, Cinnamon, nor Curious. Since I saw Pepper and Cinnamon last night, I fear it was Curious that we buried.

Critter becoming very friendly. Cha Cha came closer than ever before but would dance out of the way when her courage ran out. Critter came close but awkwardly - as if she wasn't sure how to interact. She stretched out sphinx style and posed prettily; her neck arched so artistically. Cheddar has been absolutely subdued. Critter even hip pushed her out of the way tonight. This is the most personality I've seen Critter show. I'm still hoping Cruious might show up, but it's doubful. As soon as I saw the dead kit yesterday I told Tom "It looks like Curious." Tom buried her at the side of the reopened lane, at the top of the spruce trees.

I leave for 2 weeks in Chicago tomorrow. Tom will feed the kits for me. His sister's husband died last night so there is much going on, plus we are baby sitting their dog as it was getting too upset with all the people coming to the house. Tom may need to skip the foxes a day or two, but he will do his best. And, he doesn't know one fox from the other so we won't know who he is seeing.

Jul 12

Tom said 3 kits were waiting at Sunset Ridge. He found 4 more down by the hill top. Whethere there were 7 kits, or some doubled back thru the hay to get to the hill top he doesn't know. Black Throat was there keeping order.

Jul 14

Tom said one kit was waiting at SS Ridge, no one at the Hutka, 2 kits on the sitting rock, and Pepper at the top of the hill. Before long, 4 kits had joined Pepper in "hoovering" the tid bits at the top of the hill. I asked Tom if Pepper was mean to any of them, and he said all seemed to be harmonious. Just before he left, a fifth kit came out of the trees. It didn't join the others, but sat and watched. I said it was easy to tell who that one was - Chicken. Since a sixth kit hasn't appeared, I am fearing it was Curious that we buried.

Jul 16

Tom reports that none of the foxes were waiting for him at any of the sites. He left food at the top of the hill and when no one came, he backed up quite a distance. One kit came out but acted very nervous. Finally two more kits joined the first one. All three were easily spooked Tom said. Not friendly, and ran the minute the car started up and rolled closer. They have been so friendly all week, even last night, that something has obviously disturbed them. He didn't force the issue.

Jul 18

All the kits came out tonight Tom reports.

Jul 19

Tom saw Pepper and Black Throat, but no kits tonight.

Jul 21

Pepper and one kit showed up.

Jul 22

Pepper and three kits and Black Throat and one kit showed up at different areas tonight.

Jul 23

Black Throat and Cinnamon in the field behind the house as I drove up. I stopped the car and got out and called to them. The turned tail and ran to the side of the field, stopped, and listened. I told them to run, run and spread the word that "mother" was back. As soon as the car started up again I could see another kit at the bottom of the spruce trees in the middle of the lane. I chose to go up the reopened lane and went directly to Sunset Ridge leaving food, the hutka leaving food, and as I approached the sitting rock I could see Black Throat sitting just below it waiting. As I got out of the car she ran to the safety of the edge by the top of the spruce trees. (Not vertical top - these aren't climbing foxes, but the top of the planatation.) I left food and as I was letting the car drift toward the top of the hill, a kit streaked past me and jumped on the sitting rock. At the top of the hill Cinnamon and Cha Cha were waiting. Both retreated to the trees while I was out of the car leaving chicken bones, fat, and some meat. I slammed the car door loudly as I got in and Cha Cha came out followed by Cinnamon a few minutes later. Black Throat came out and joined them in finding bits to eat. Cheddar came streaking from the direction of the sitting rock and ran up to Black Throat for kissy kiss. Suddenly, the chicken bone that had been in Black Throat's mouth appeared in Cheddar's mouth. Immediately Cha Cha ran to Black Throat for kissy kiss, but Black Throat had nothing more to give other than affectionate reassurance. Cinnamon, meanwhile, was king of the hill. Black Throat returned to the hill to get another morsel, and Cinnamon had the gall to hip slam her. Not seriously and not very hard, but agressively so anyway. It is a pleasant night and the other foxes didn't seem heated, but Cheddar kept panting and panting. Mouth open, tongue out, etc. Black Throat ran up the hill to invesitage the sitting rock (and beyond I imagine) with Cha Cha close at her heels. Cinnamon plopped down near the car and began to groom himself. Cheddar made a couple of turning circles in the lane before stretching out, head up, and panting. I kept talking and talking and telling them how gorgeous they were, Cheddar started washing her hind feet and Cinnamon continued to groom the nether regions. It was so good to see them. Cha Cha looks very thin.

Jul 24

Scott came to visit this evening and brought Cherub from the taxidermist. She is curled up, head erect, and sitting on the hearth of the fire place. I've walked into the room and jumped a couple of times. Will take time getting used to her. I told her she achieved the immortality her siblings will miss.

Scott brought along a dead crow for the foxes tonight. I had the stir fry left from dinner. Cha Cha was the first one out. She got within 5 feet of the crow and jumped cartoon like with all four feet spread out in the air like a bear skin rug. She circled around it and got to the stir fry. After a few bites, curiosity overcame her and she went to within 3 feet of the crow before jumping back as if it would attack her. Back to the stir fry. She took a fairly large piece of meat into the spruce trees and on her return went to within 12" of the crow. No jumping this time, but danced nicely around it and back to the stir fry. She finally went right up to it and smelled it, stepped back, stepped forward (two step anyone?) and put her nose into the feathers. Suddendly she raised her head and looked down the lane. Whether it was the tractor and the baling of the hay that bothered her or she could sense other foxes coming I don't know. In any case she picked up the crow in her mouth and started to run toward the trees with it. The bird was at least half again her size. She dropped it, frantically looked around, picked it up and ran into the trees. A few seconds later she came out looking oh so innocent as she greeted Critter and Cheddar. Black Throat sat in the lane and watched the three of them clean up some Cheerios. As we drove off she joined the kits at the hill top for munchies.

As we drove into the woods Scott got out to investigate the ground beneath the goshawk nest on the Upper spring road. He found one chick dead. He guessed it had been dead for at least two weeks. They usually have two chicks he informed me and the larger one lives. Survival of the fittest.

New coyote tracks at the end of the Upper spring road and on the circle road. Coyote and fox tracks on the main road. There is a certain area they share. Scott feels one set of fox tracks he sees over and over is one large dog fox who is old and wily enough to pass through coyote territory withouth being caught.

As we drove back to the house, five foxes were in the field just behind the house where the hay had been raked. They were having a wonderful time hunting all the mice this process had stirred up.

Jul 25

At friend's house in town for dinner. Past sunset when we arrived back at the farm. On an off chance there might be a fox around we drove to the feeding areas. There were foxes waiting all over the place. A dark, dark, almost black fox raced for Sunset Ridge. It was every bit as dark as Banjo was last year. A kit was prancing around by the hutka, another at the end of the reopened lane, and Cha Cha waited at the top of the hill. Even tho the car lights were on and shining at her, she came right up and waited for her Cheerios to be tossed from the window. The field at the top of the hill was cut today. This probably turned up lots of mice for them. It should be raked tomorrow and that will turn up more. These foxes weren't hungry (and they shouldn't be) but were still anxious to see what was left. Only dry cat food and cheerios tonight. No sign of last night's crow feathers around.

Jul 26

Early morning Tom and I took a drive to the woods to see if we could spot any rabbits. (We've done it before - just not this year.) As we drove out of the back yard, I looked up and there was a kit on top of a hay roll, watching the traffic on the road below, noticing us leaving the house, and heaven knows what else. What a great vantage point. It jumped off by the time I got close enough to perhaps identify it.

Tonight all 5 kits seen plus a strange fox in the field catching mice after the hay baler went through.

Cinnamon and Cheddar were first out tonight. They loved the macaroni and cheese. They started out harmoniously, each eating in a different spot about 2 feet away. As they worked their way towards each other each became rather territorial. They finally hip slammed each other at the same time and bounced off. Neither stopped "hoovering" to take any action, but they did drape their tails across each others backs appearing to be almost arm in arm. Critter ran across the lane, disappearing quickly because the men had finished haying for the night and came right through in their truck.Cheddar looked and leaped for safety in the trees and Cinnamon ran behind a hay roll. As the truck passed Cheddar and Cinnamon came out and lo and behold, Chicken came trotting up the lane. As soon as she realized the car was their she jumped and ran, but I got the first decent video of her. Cha Cha came dancing out and Cinnamon, Cheddar and Critter backed off as if to say "The Queen has arrived." She seems to rule the roost just as Biscuit did last year. Both are the smallest of the group.

Jul 27

A former employee is visiting on the Island so we did the tour of the farm and the woods this afternoon. Fresh fox scat on the loop road - hooray. Coming back to the house, we spotted a coyote in the field where they just finished haying. (Lots of mice running around I suspect.) This is the large field at the top of the spruce trees and adjacent to the hutka. It was nosing around, obviously looking for mice. When it saw us, it ran for the hedrow that is on the border of us and the neighboring farm.

After dinner we did the fox hunt. As we came up the reopened lane, there was that doggone coyote just a few feet past my hutka. I gunned the car and chased it down the lane. Our visitor was sure that if I got close enought I would have run it over. It had something in its mouth, but I couldn't see what. It was a dark coyote; darker than the light grey of the last one we saw and of the one mounted in the taxidermist's show room. It finally ran for the safety of the hedge row.

Four of the kits were out - Cinnamon, Cheddar, Critter and Cha Cha. Pepper and Black Throat represented the adult ranks. Pepper was in a foul mood and snapped at each of the kits except Cha Cha who was smart enough to stay out of her way. Black Throat came right up to the passenger side of the car tonight and got some Milk Bone for her bravery. The rest of the time she sat in the field looking back toward where we had seen the coyote. She looked as if she was keeping guard. Pepper had made herself thoroughly unpleasant and when she trotted off over the field (the very one where we had seen the coyote) the kits just watched. Then they gave a little jump and it looked as if Cha Cha was teaching them a new dance step. Frosted Cheerios as a treat tonight (after they had eated their bread, hamburger, and peas). This year's group is so nice in that no one seems to get more than their share - tho they try. Critter was moved to run over to Black Throat, wagging her tail, doing kissy kissy, flopping on her back in sheer ecstasy. Black Throat dipped her head to acknowledge Critter and then moved away to stand guard again.

Went back at sunset time to admire the view. Drove around the field to show Tom where we had first seen the coyote and there was Biscuit hunting mice exactly where the coyote had been this afternoon. She ran for the trees as we came up. As we were driving along the top of the spruce trees, one kit was sitting on top of a hay roll watching our progress. We stopped so I could take a photo, but it was such a long way away I don't think it will be more than a speck. As we got closer she jumped down and went into the trees by the den.

Jul 28

They are cutting hay in the little field just above the brook. I was told that as they went back this morning they saw a coyote in the field adjacent to my hutka. This is way too close for comfort.

On the fox hunt tonight all the foxes were lined up on the road waiting for us. I felt like we were in a parade. They followed us to Sunset Ridge (only the second time they have ever done that) and then to the hutka (a first time). Got some good video of them snatching pork fat from the hutka's deck. Black Throat climed the pile of stones at SSRidge and watched the distant fields. Left Cheerios at the sitting rock and then macaroni and cheese and freezer-burned raw chicken at the top of the hill. What a frenzy. Pepper, of course, created havoc and got everyone at each other's throats. Black Throat was no comfort tonight as she (he?) kept watchful guard the entire time. Got some great video of two of the kits "boxing" and some of hip slamming and tail draping. Cinnamon, Cheddar, Critter, Cha Cha, Pepper, Black Throat and - believe it or not - Chicken were out tonight. Chicken never got anything to eat, but at least came out into the clear so I could get some close-up video of her. We drove around the field, but didn't spot the coyote. However, from everyone's watchful stance and the fact the kits had disappeared when we came back (they usually stay out and play for about 30 minutes after a feed) shows they are all on the alert.

Jul 30

Met the man who is cutting the hay on my way up as he was coming down. He stopped and told me my foxes all had their bibs on and were waiting for me.

Pepper followed me up to SSRidge and ate the stale raisin bread as I left more at the hutka. She then raced me to the sitting rock, just like old days. I left cheerios and some beef at the sitting rock and could see three kits dancing below at the hill top.

An old gentlemen friend of ours was cleaning out his freezer, preparing to go into a nursing home here. The poor dear got confused and left nearly a side of beef in a box on his porch for a couple of days waiting for his brother to pick it up. Of course it all spoiled. Steaks, roasts, ground beef, etc. His brother promptly refroze it and called us he had enough fox food to last for a year. Tonight the vulpines dined on rib eye steaks.

Pepper dashed to the top of the hill, chasing away the kits who had been waiting. She loaded her mouth with food and tore off for parts unknown. The kits came out and were delirious in their joy at the treats. Pepper came back, ignored the kits, got another mouth full and cached it in full view of us all. As she came back she passed Cheddar and just snarled for no reason except Cheddar was chewing. Critter and Cinnamon ignored her. Chicken came out and crossed the lane a couple of times (Why does Chicken cross the road?) to see what was going on, but wouldn't come closer. She reminds me of girls at a high school football game who have to keep parading around so everyone will see them, but won't come any closer. Black Throat and Cha Cha came out near the end. I threw some beef pieces to Black Throat, but Pepper dashed out to get them. None of the kits seem to like Pepper, but they all adore sweet, calm, steadfast Black Throat. Lots of tail wagging, submission, and kissy kiss.

Black Throat got a few Cheerios and a communion sized piece of raisin bread but was very watchful. Black Throat trotted past the car and headed for the reopened lane. Cha Cha ran after her and jumped on Black Throat's rear end. A tackle if I ever saw one. Black Throat absent mindedly nuzzled Cha Cha and continued up the reopened lane.

Jul 31

Scott came over to investigate the coyotes and went on the fox hunt with me. Most disappointing that only two of them came out. They were very, very skittish tonight.

Earlier today Tom mowed the "triangle" by the brook and Pepper followed him around. Came to within 3 feet of the brush cutter. Of course, that used to be Pepper's playground when she was a kit.

After dark, Tom, Scott and I went on a coyote hunt. Had our portable high beam light plugged into the car's cigarette lighter and took off for the freshly mown fields and the woods. Saw a couple of my foxes hunting mice in the field, but no coyotes.

Aug 1

A wonderful feast tonight of round steak and porterhouse steak for the foxes. A few morsels of bread to go with it for carbohydrates' sake. As I drove up I could see one of the kits sitting on top of a hay roll at the edge of the spruce trees. I went on past and did the SS ridge and hutka drops. The kit was stretching its neck to see me at the sitting rock but jumped off and ran into the trees when I got to the top of the hill. Most disappointing - no one came. This hasn't happened before. I kept yelling "Kit kit - steak! Kit kit - steak!"

Finally in the rear view mirror I could see Black Throat jump up on the sitting rock and smell everything, but she took nothing. Then she came down to where I was, positioned herself about 20 feet away, and just watched back ujp the hill. And watched. Soon Cinnamon came out and got the lion's share of the meat that had been left. Fortunately I didn't put it all out. Cinnamon left the bread. Cheddar came out to join him and Cinnamon took a piece out into the field to cache. I could see one kit racing back and forth across the lane. It would give a quick glance and dive for cover in the trees. Chicken? Soon Cha Cha came dancing out and gathered a few choice bits I tossed her. Everyone very nervy tonight. Black Throat would look over from time to time and I would toss a particularly nice piece or a meaty bone into the grass, away from the usual feeding spot but where she could see where it landed.

Several minutes went by and no one reappeared so I left. Threw out all the rest of the beef and a handfull of dry cat food and said to heck with them all. Made a U turn at the reopened lane and drove part way up to the point where I could see across to the top of the spruce trees. What a frenzy was going on. Black Throat and three of the kits were searching in the grass for the dry cat foot. Cheddar discovered there was a fresh supply of meat at the top of the hill and the frenzy began. No one was mean, but they sure acted like they were on a sugar high. Jumping and twirling mid-air. When Abby used to do this ('95 litter and Pepper's litter mate) I called it her "axel". Well, two of the kits were either high or drunk or practicing for the winter Olympics. I think one even did a double loop. Chicken was out and so subserviant to Black Throat in a loving manner. Plenty of belly scrubbing, tail wagging, flopping on back, etc. Critter was the only one missing tonight.

Black Throat found a knuckle bone and took it out into the field to cache. Cheddar stayed right with her. Black Throat did the final nose push and trotted back looking for cat food in the grass. Cheddar promptly dug up the bone and dragged it back to Black Throat, wagging her tail as if to say "Look at what I found". Black Throat gave a nose nuzzle acknowledgement and promptly took the bone into the trees. Meanwhile, Pepper showed up. All the meat was gone - only bread and cat food left. Pepper licked the grass where meat juice had dropped on it when I emptied the bowl. This gave her a clue as to what she missed. She picked up a piece of bread, trotted across the field to where I was in the reopened lane, and stopped about 5 feet from the car and dropped the bread and trotted off. I don't think the meaning of this is too subtle.

The tractor with the hay baler was coming up the lane behind me, so I went to the top and turned onto the lane between the spruce trees. All the kits ran, but Black Throat stayed and watched as I descended to the top of the hill. She moved aside and I threw out a few Cheerios to reward her for her faithfulness and came home. One of the kits was atop a hay bale again watching the procedure.

Aug 2

I've been going out too early for the fox hunt. Once again, Pepper was the only one out tonight. The menu was 1 lb of ground beef, thanks to our elderly benefactor. I also had 1/3 loaf of store-bought bread that we couldn't finish - preferring the bread machine. Pepper ignored the bread. I had left tiny thumb nail bits of ground beef all over and Pepper was going nuts trying to get it all. Cinnamon came out, followed by Cheddar. Critter came out and had a stand-up boxing match with Cinnamon. (Brave girl) Pepper, temporarily sated, decided to take a mouth full of beef down the lane. Whether to cache or eat in private I don't know. When she came back, she took a mouth full of something (bread and meat I think) and cached it right by the trees in plain sight. Critter went over and promptly dug it up. Pepper observed this, but made no move to stop her. I wonder if digging up caches is part of their training. Seems as if that would be natural.

Cha Cha came streaking down the hill, sniffed around, and saw what she missed. I was inside the car by this time as when there are alot of them, they prefer me inside. Cha Cha came over to the car door (if I had opened it I would have knocked her over) and pawed at the ground, looking at me with soulful eyes. I gave her some sugar Cheerios (couldn't help myself) and pointed to where some meat was that no one had found yet. She kept circling around the car, making bigger and bigger circles. Pepper came trotting over and Cha Cha just lit into her. Crouched down, ears back, and snarled and snarfed and used strong language. Pepper crouched - not as low as Cha Cha - snarled, and then moved away. Cha Cha followed her and did the same thing again. Cha Cha was always lower to the ground, but Pepper was the first to move away. Pepper started to go for a smidgen of beef hidden in the grass and Cha Cha took two running steps and barged her. Later Pepper came too close to Cha Cha and Cha Cha rose on her hind legs and danced with Pepper for awhile and finally swatter her. Both dropped to all four feet at the same time. I got this on video - I hope.

Chicken sat like Cinderella on the reopened lane, watching all this across the field. Black Throat appeared in the triangle (bordered by spruce trees at base, reopened lane at one side, lane between trees at the other side, and the sitting rock at the apex.) Cinnamon and Cheddar immediately went to her and paid their respects. Tonight for the first time I noticed Cheddar is getting a black throat identical to Black Throat's.

Pepper roamed to the crest of the hill and Cinnamon followed her up. Another boxing match ensued. Don't know who started it as I was watching Cha Cha sit outside the car and let me drop milk bone bits to her through the window. What a satisfying night. All 5 kits and both adults. I *think* I saw Biscuit in the field beyond the reopened lane heading for SS ridge - but I'm not sure. The kits are so big now it's easy to confuse them with an adult from a distance.

Aug 3

Reviewed the video tape this morning and boy, was I off base. Cha Cha did NOT dominate - she only challenged. She was the first one down on all fours after the boxing match, and when she snarfed her head was lower and her tail was wagging. It's funny - if it weren't on the video tape I would have denied that happened like that. How fragile observations can be. In any case, Pepper is still Queen of the May.

Late getting to the fox hunt tonight due to family dinner in Searletown. All the foxes were waiting however and had a nice feed. Critter was exceptionally "wired" tonight. Everyone came out except Cha Cha.

Tom and I went for a drive thru the woods and got back out to SSRidge just in time for one of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen. Took lots of photos. As we were driving back, Tom said "Someone wants your attention." There was Cha Cha on the driver's side of the car looking hopeful. Tom gave her a handfull of Cheerios. Black Throat was waiting at the sitting rock so left some Cheerios there and again at the top of the hill. Nothing unusual to report tonight.

Aug 4

Cheddar was sitting atop a hay roll watching for the Toyota; as it got closer, she leaped for the trees as if to spread the word. Naturally Pepper was the first to show up. She is getting some weight on and her coat doesn't look nearly as shaggy. The white puff at the end of her tail is gone which gives it a funny look. Her tail is every bit as ratty as Grey Back's was last year.

Black Throat came to check the food (one sniff) and then disappeared. She is the most unusual color. Blond mottled with grey. I find it gorgeous.

Cinnamon, Cheddar, Cha Cha and Pepper were eating when Critter came running down from the hill behind us. She was "wired to the max". I didn't think a kit that size could make such leaps. I don't know what startled her, but she jumped right over Cha Cha as she had her head down looking for dry cat food. I mean like the cow jumped over the moon. It startled Cinnamon and Cheddar who jumped away. Critter kept right on going, put the breaks on when she came to Pepper, bowed down, wagged her tail, ears back, and then in a mighty leap and several bounds continued down the lane. Cinnamon and Cheddar immediately went over to Pepper and they all bowed politely to each other. Cheddar turned her back to trot back to the feeding area and Pepper bared her teeth, put her ears back and went after her. Cheddar immediately rolled on her back but flailed with her paws ineffectually as Pepper gave her "what-for." Cha Cha dashed for the safety of the car and me talking soothingly to her, all the while tossing a Cheerio now and again.

Things calmed down, Black Throat appeared on the scene, and decided to partake of the cat food. I had thrown out strawberry hulls with LOTS of strawberry left on them, but they were not interested. As Black Throat passed Pepper, neither one showed subservience to the other. The looked at each other in passing, but no other sign. It was a sweet, familial sight; the two adults, and 3 kits (Cinnamon, Cheddar, Cha Cha). Suddenly Critter started running from one side of the lane to the other, built up speed and burst through the center of the family dinner. They all pulled back in alarm, some of the kits running for the edge of the trees. Critter did a few running laps around the crown of the hill, and then settled down to eat cat food.

Pepper went over to the side and groomed herself, and Black Throat ate until I called bye bye. Got some good 35mm of Black Throat. She's such an unusual color.

Aug 5

Rain, didn't go back.

Aug 6

Boiled new potatoes, raw fish and ground beef on tonight's menu. I drove back on the reopened lane and there were four "sentinels" posted - two foxes on each side of the lane and all 4 of them atop a hay roll. Of course I didn't bring a camera tonight.

Pepper and 2 of the kits follwed me to SS Ridge. Pepper trotted along side the car; the kits hit in the grass.

At the top of the hill I dumped the fish (very smelly) and broke the pound of ground beef into thumbnail sized bits. Black Throat, Pepper and two of the kits were watching from the trees. Finally Pepper and Cinnamon came up to where I was (it was taking forever to roll the meat) as if to say hurry up. A cloud of black flies descended about this time and I was jumping, waving my arms, tossing beef, and trying not to step on the fish. Pepper rocked back on her haunches in amazement at the dinner show I was providing. I finally retreated to the car and rolled up the windows and Black Throat, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cheddar and Critter came out to feast. Black Throat actually ate quite a bit this time. Critter got one big slab of fish and tripped over it twice taking it into the spruce trees. Pepper smelled it, but preferred the beef. Cinnamon got another piece of fish which promptly fell apart. Cheddar accommodatingly helped her eat it right there on the spot. Black Throat came up to the car as if to check on me half way thru. I don't know what the message was, but I threw her a piece of raisin bread. She accepted it and went back to hunting for ground beef.

Black Throat found a large lump of ground beef (I dropped it running for the car) which she promptly picked up and headed for the trees. Cheddar squeaked and raced to catch up with her. At the tree's edge Black Throat stopped and Cheddar belly scrubbed and tail wagged and whined (yes - a whine) and Black Throat dropped the hunk of meat for Cheddar. Parents are parents I guess, no matter the species. Black Throat came back to the feeding area and as she got near the car I tossed a piece of pork fat I had been saving for her. She picked it up and trotted into the spruce trees on the other side of the lane. Cheddar squeaked again and followed. A few minutes later Cheddar burst from the trees, leaped high enough to clear the tire tracks in the lane with one mightly leap, ran a zig zag path down the lane and gave a stupendous leap into the trees on the other side. There had been no noises from the bush so I have no idea what happened, but I'm guessing the Black Throat was fairly firm this time. The other two kits went chasing after Cheddar as if to see what was wrong, or to gloat over someone in trouble.

Pepper lay in the lane grooming herself. As each of the kits came out, they all bowed with ears back and a tail wag to Pepper before coming back to the feeding area. Critter plopped down next to her and Pepper snarled, but Critter snarled back and went to sleep. Black Throat emerged from the trees, looked around, saw all was harmonious, and trotted off up the hill. Shortly after Cha Cha came racing to the scene. Naturally all the food was gone and all she got was a hand full of dry cat food. She didn't seem hungry however, so I am assuming she ate the potatoes I had dropped at the hutka.

On my way back at the bottome of the spruce trees, an adult fox crossed the lane and lay down in the tall grass. The sun was in my eyes so I couldn't see who it was. As I passed the spot, I stopped the car and looked back (with the sun at my back) and could see it was Biscuit. No amount of urging would get her to come out. She finally got tired of my "nagging" and trotted off up the lane to where the others were hoovering cat food.

Aug 7

Fast trip tonight. Cinnamon was waiting at SS Ridge. The foxes enjoyed two T Bone steaks tonight. (Doesn't it just kill you that food like this is going to foxes?) At the top of the hill Cheddar pulled her regular act of whining and Black Throat gave up her chunk of meat. Pepper disappeared for about 5 minutes. When she came back, Cheddar ran to greet her. Pepper snarled and Cheddar gave little crying yips. When will she learn! Cheddar seems to either thrive on rejection or think everyone will treat her as Black Throat does. At one point Cheddar sat on her rear legs and flailed her front paws at Pepper; Pepper just ignored her. Now THAT's rejection. Cha Cha got a good feed tonight. Critter remains beserk - running back and forth across the lane.

Aug 8

Not feeling well, so made a fast trip of it tonight. Skipped SS Ridge and the hutka. Pepper was waiting at the first rise behind the house and raced the car to my first stop, the sitting rock. Left dry cat food there. Cheerios and bread at the top of the hill. What a come down. Black Throat always eats what is put before her, but Pepper, Cinnamon, Cheddar and Critter had to sniff the entire area before they realized there were no hidden bits of steak. Cha Cha and Chicken didn't show.

Aug 9

Rain. Didn't go back.

Aug 10

Still not feeling up to par so made a fast trip. Black Throat, Cinnamon, Cha Cha and Cheddar came out to get their treats. I just threw the food and left so don't know of Pepper and Critter came later or not.

Aug 11

Porterhouse steaks tonight. All the foxes showed except Cinnamon and Black Throat. Men had come with a truck to take the hay baler back, and it was right at feeding time. I didn't know whether to wait 30 minutes or go ahead. Decided it would be safer for me to keep an eye on things.

The hay baler was right next to the hutka at the top of the reopened lane. As I drove up, I could see two little kits sitting at the edge of the lane watching the whole procedure. Pepper was off to one side watching. Pepper heard me and ran toward the sitting rock. The two little kits didn't hear until I was nearly on top of them. Another fox, I found out later, was watching from the other side of the baler. It looked so cute with all these little bodies watching the show. I went over to the men and asked them to go down the reopened lane when they were finished as it would not interefere. They were absolutely entranced by the foxes. In fact, so thrilled they had to stop and tell Tom about it on their way home.

Cheddar was hilarious tonight. When I got to the top of the hill she would come up, grab a tiny piece and trot off. After doing this a couple of times (I was still putting food out) she came up the lane with the cutest canter. She looked like a carousel horse. All four legs were off the ground at once with her front legs bent at the "knee" and tucked under and her back legs pulled up. She "skipped" all around the top of the hill in this fashion, grabbing a piece of meat, skipping some more. I didn't have my camera in hand because I had the meat dish. Shucks. Cha Cha came out and got her share. Pepper was well behaved tonight - didn't try to eat with the kits. She stayed in the distance (about 30 feet) and acted as guard. Cha Cha came up to the car door and I gave her some milk bone. She cached it by making two swipes at the ground with her paws, dropping the milk bone piece, covering it with one nose push and raced off to look for more meat. Chicken came out and sat in the lane watching, but just couldn't work up the nerve to come closer. Critter came out of the trees and chased Chicken off and then followed her into the trees.

The truck with the hay baler went down the reopened lane and the foxes didn't care. Pepper went on the alert, but that was all.

Aug 12

Tom did the fox hunt tonight as I soaked my chills and aches in the Jacuzzi. (It worked.) Black Throat, Pepper and 2 of the kits came out for chicken treats. Tom didn't know which of the 2 kits it was. Tommorrow I'll be hale and hearty and back on the fox hunt.

Aug 13

Returned from taking Tom to the airport and found a fox pelt and a note from Scott in between the doors. He was offered a teaching job in Fort McMurray and had just a few days to gather his things together and make the drive out west. He had stopped by to say good-bye. The tanned fox pelt was used in his coyote studies and is beautiful. Neither Scott nor I would ever want a fox killed - but if one happens upon the animal already dead, it's nice to save what beauty remains.

I mailed some still photos to Mike Russell today for him to scan and post. Strangely, I have a photo of everyone except Black Throat. Will try to rectify that, tho we have lots of video of her.

Hot dogs, pasta and peas is the balanced meal for tonight. Cheddar raced me up to SS Ridge (but didn't take any food) and raced the car down to the sitting rock. About half-way along I looked out the other window and Cinnamon was racing on the other side. As I was leaving food at the sitting rock, Cinnamon stood about 4 feet away shifting his weight from one foot to the other as if to say hurry up. Meanwhile, Cheddar was doing her four-legs-tucked-under-and-in-the-air dance all around the area below the rock. All I could think of was the British Music Hall song "Knees Up Mother Brown."

At the top of the hill Black Throat and Pepper joined the two kits. Later Critter and Cha Cha emerged, making it 2 adults and 4 kits. Cha Cha seemed very nervous tonight and didn't come up to the car, but did get some treats. Pepper had the nerve to bare her teeth and shriek at Black Throat. Black Throat calmly got up on one haunch and threw a lazy punch. All settled down. Cinnamon seemed to gain courage from this and hip slammed Black Throat. Black Throat ignored it. Cinnamon threw another hip slam and draped his tail over Black Throat for several minutes. It even mean Cinnamon had to walk backwards a few steps to keep the tail drape as Black Throat grazed for more peas. Chicken came out and was almost up to a piece of hot dog when I heard screeching and shrieking. It was Pepper and Cheddar at it again. Why doesn't Cheddar leave her alone! ! ! Chicken jumped and turned mid air and beat a hasty retreat. Cheddar got spooky after that. Every time I threw another piece of hot dog, she would jump and start. Cheddar poses like a male. I wonder if "she" is a "he". Just the stance is male-like. got some good still photos (I hope) of Black Throat. She has lost much of her golden color by now, and is mostly grey. Pepper is getting very dark, tho her hair is still short. The saddle on her back is almost black. Wonder what the winter coat will be like.

Aug 14

Pouring, torrential rain all day. It stopped right at fox hunt time so I went quickly to deliver their T bone steaks tonight. Only Pepper and Cheddar came out. Pepper was at SS Ridge and Cheddar at the hill top. Cheddar did her crazy gallup (gal-lup, gal-lup, gal-lup) with her legs tucked in. Since she was the only one at the hill top, I held a lot of the meat back. I noticed however, she did what I have observed on other occasions; she didn't take every piece but left some for the others. Some are greedy and take it all, but there must be some built-in mechanism for sharing as we have noticed this behavior a couple of dozen times before. She finally disappeared into the trees. I put the other meat out. Having said my good-byes to both foxes with an admonition to tell their sisters I'd be back in a week, I left. In the middle of the field behind the house, Pepper was roving back and forth. The hard rain today made the ground very soft and I imagine it's good worm hunting. Said an extra good-bye and got in just as it started to rain again.

Aug 21

Cha Cha came bounding out and paced the car as we came up the reopened lane. She followed us to SS Ridge but disappeared behind the cairn when I got out of the car. Stopped and left treats at each of the areas. Pepper was waiting at the top of the hill as we came down from the sitting rock, to be joined by Cinnamon. Pepper is extraordinarily thin. She is completely shed out and her tail is starting to get busy. Cinnamon is now larger than Pepper.

No one else joined them so I didn't dare leave all the pork. Threw out some Cheerios which they cheerfully ignored. Tom and I decided to tour the woods to see how it fared in our absence. Must have been a decent sized storm earlier this week as several trees are down. Coming back we were coming up to sunset ridge when we saw what looked like a fox crossing the field. As we got closer we could see it was awfully big for a fox. It stood and stared at us as the car approached. At the same time we both yelled "Good Lord it's a coyote." It then loped across the field just behind my hutka. We sped the car up and pretended it was a jeep and raced across the field but it had gone into a hedge row by then. No sign of any foxes as we came down the hill and the lane between the spruce trees. Don't blame them - this is way too close.

Aug 22

It started to rain just as I left the back door. It has been blowing and gusty all day, increasing as the rain started. Saw no one going up the reopened lane to SS ridge and the hutka. As I reached the sitting rock I could see a kit sitting by the trees down by the top of the hill. I could only see its front through a mist of rain so couldn't identify it. Left cheerios, steak, and pork fat and waited. Nothing. I backed up, turned around and checked SS Ridge and the hutka. Still food at both points. I drove around by the old log den and crisscrossed the two fields on either side of the main lane looking for a coyote, such as we saw last night. No sign. As I came back to the sitting rock, a fox kit was eating the bits at the top of the hill. It looked like Critter - but was too small to be Critter, so my guess is it was Chicken. It ran as soon as I got close and didn't come out during the 20 minutes I waited. Disappointing.

The tenant in our gate house called to welcome us back. She said she was wishing we were here yesterday morning. It was 5:30, just before dawn, and she was getting ready for an early shift at work. She looked out her bathroom window and saw 2 foxes playing in the back yard. They kept crossing between the back yard of the gate house and our front yard, chasing each other, leaping, and just plain playing as she described it. They crossed the road and she could see them running in our field down by the shore. She watched for some time (making her late for work she tells me) and saw them cross the road again right by the lane we share and run leaping and zigzagging up our front lawn, cross to her back yard, and back up the hill toward the spruce trees.

Aug 23

Cheddar was dancing around at the end of the reopened lane as I came up. Tonight's treat was a well balance meal of boiled potato, cooked carrots and rib eye steaks. Cheddar met me at Sunset Ridge and watched as I left food, but didn't take any. She ran on to the hutka and danced around there, and watches as I left tid bits. She then ran to the sitting rock and jumped atop it as if showing me all the feeding areas. (She wasn't too subtle in her point that I had been and perhaps forgotten where to leave food.) As soon as I got to the sitting rock she ran down to the spruce trees at the top of the hill. I left the food and got back in the car as a safe haven from the mosquitos. They were fierce tonight and found every spot I hadn't sprayed.

Soon Cinnamon came out and had a wonderful feed. I've learned to throw the bits around a larger area so they have to "hunt" for it a little. Cheddar came trotting up, bowed to Cinnamon, found a bone with lots of meat on it, picked it up, trotted over to the car to show me, and then zig zagged down the hill to either eat in privacy or cache it. Cinnamon is getting huge. I had several good views of the underside and I *think* I still see the tuft of hair indicating genetalia, but am not sure. And of course, Cinnamon wouldn't tell me a thing. If Cinny is really a boy, then I expect he might disperse soon. Cheddar came running back and found some more tiny bits of meat in the tall grass and looked very pleased with herself. Cheddar is about 2/3 the size of Cinnamon. They both kept looking up the hill. They'd freeze and stare into the distance, ears pricked forward. I'd turn around expecting to see someone, but no one was there. Wonder if they were looking for family or if the coyote was still around. Cheddar's throat is now exactly like Black Throat's. Must be related.

Aug 24

A late fox hunt tonight as we had been invited out for dinner. It was nearly dark by the time we went up the lane behind the house. Pepper appeared from the field to the left, crossed the lane in front of us, and raced the car up the hill on the passenger side of the car. That was her trick as a young kit. Cinnamon appeared at SS Ridge and ran to the hutka, jumping up on the deck to make sure I knew to leave food there. Cinny followed us every step of the way down to the top of the hill. We could see Pepper in the rear view mirror cleaning up the sitting rock. There was no time to cut up meat tonight so they had some leftover yellow beans, dry cat food and cheerios. There weren't really thrilled with the fare, but were polite and sampled it all. Cinnamon is getting braver and braver and coming right up to the car. His behavior is so much like Cha Cha's I'd almost believe it was her as their coloring is so similar. However, Cinnamon is the biggest kit and Cha Cha is the smallest and no animal could grow that much in the 6 days I was gone. Cinny is bigger than Pepper now. No sign of Black Throat, Critter, Chicken or Cha Cha since I came back.

Aug 25

Cinnamon was waiting in the reopend lane as we drove up and accompanied us to SS ridge where Pepper joined us. There are beans left at all the feeding sites so yellow beans obviously don't cause the shudders of delight that carrots do. Cheddar was atop the sitting rock watching our progress down from the hutka. She jumped off as we got near, but waited in the grass just below. She was just ready to come to the sitting rock to get treats when Pepper beat her to it. Cheddar raced to the top of the hill to be first there. However, she waited in the trees as I was out of the car tossing food around and Cinnamon came up to my feet and got dibs on the treats there. As soon as I was about 3 paces back, however, Cheddar came out and she and Cinny had a good time hunting for bits. The black flies were out tonight driving me into the car to watch and toss the occasional milk bone. Pepper came to join them and all went well until Pepper and Cinny went for the same piece. Up on their hind legs, ears back, paws flailing. Both of them had their ears flattened back against their head. Since that is the defensive ear position, I couldn't tell who was dominant. Cinnamon is now larger than Pepper so Cinny's head was higher. Pepper dropped to her feet first. However, when Cinny had to pass her, Cinnamon showed abject submission. Go figure. Cheddar just stayed out of Pepper's way. The altercation put Pepper in a bad mood and she snarfed and sniped and snarled at moths, the wind, flies and phantom threats. She finally went over to the edge of the trees and groomed herself. (Nothing like a nice bath to put a girl in a good mood.) It was time for me to come back to the house and our guests, so I said bye bye and started the car. Cheddar moved aside, but Cinnamon just stood in the middle of the lane as if to say "I dare you". I inched up closer and when the car got about 5 feet from her she made a spectacular leap to the driver's side of the car and waited for the handfull of dry cat food I always throw out on my exit. Whatta guy (gal?).

A gorgeous sunset tonight so Tom and I went up to SS Ridge to enjoy it. Pepper was just crossing the field. She stopped and looked at us, trotted a few more feet, stopped and looked, and finally shook her head and kept on in the direction she had started and disappeared into the far field.

Aug 26

Cinnamon rules! Cinny followed the car up to SS Ridge where she was thrilled with some pork fat bits and bread. Pepper came running up and Cinnamon just barged her away - AND PEPPER TOOK IT. Pepper ran to the huta where she got an equal amount of the same treat, but left off eating as Cinny came trotting down to have a look-see. Cheddar was standing on the sitting rock (as incongruous as that sounds) and jumped off as I came up. However, she kept circling around the rock as if to say hurry up, hurry up. Both she and Cinny come to within 18" of me now that the others aren't around. Left an equal treat there and continued my way to the top of the hill. Cinnamon and Pepper were waiting there. I strewed Cheerios to keep them occupied as I distributed the pork fat bits. The bits are so tiny they stick together and it's hard to separate them. (They are about 2/3" by 2/3") By the time I had finished Cheddar had joined the group. She had gone down the reopened lane from the sitting rock, cut through the spruce trees and came out the lane between the trees. As she was trotting up to where the food was, I tossed a piece to her. It was actually 2 pieces stuck together. It landed right in front of her and she did her goofy "airs above ground" with all four legs pulled up at once, right in place. As if she was jumping up and down saying goody goody. After gobbling that treat, it perked her up so that she did her "airs above ground" gallup all the way up to the top of the hill. I couldn't operate the video as my hands were greasy from the pork fat. Shucks.

About this time Pepper wandered over to where Cinnamon was. Cinny put his/her ears back, snarled and hip slammed. Pepper didn't seem to get the idea and didn't move away. Cinny shrieked, up on her hind legs and she and Pepper duked it out, with Pepper finally running over to the edge of the trees. Cinny and Cheddar kept hunting in the grass for tid bits, "humming" all the time. Kind of a low snuffle that was not threatening. Whether it was communication to each other or a "fox purr" I have no idea. Pepper inched her way back, and Cinny just put one leg over Pepper's head with no big scene. Pepper ducked out, got a few morsels, and then went over by a hay bale to groom and watch the whole process. The snuffling sound ceased and for a few minutes was replaced by a clickety sound. The only way I can describe it is half way between the noise one makes to a horse and the noise we make usually written as tch tch tch. Pepper answered this noise with the same kind of noise. Then all was quiet. Suddenly, a fox ran across the lane. Came out of the trees on once side, got to the middle of the lane and stopped and looked, and then continued across. This was at the bottom of the lane so I didn't get a real good look, but from the tail I'm assuming it's Critter.

Some markings to note: Cinny's rear legs have white all the way from the groin (stifle) down to the ankle. Must be related to white hips. On the back of her rear legs, it's a golden red but at the angle of the hock there is black smudge; looks like she didn't wash there.

Aug 27

Cinny and Cheddar ran behind the car all the way up the reopened lane. Cheddar stopped at the sitting rock and Cinnamon kept on to SSRidge. Pepper joined us at SS Ridge, but Cinny chased her off. Everyone joined up again at the top of the hill. The cooked carrots gave them shivers of delight. All behavior as usual. The exciting news is near the end of the feeding time Cha Cha showed up. I was so glad to see her. Asked her where she had been. Didn't answer. She is not nearly so friendly as she was. Wouldn't come closer than 20 feet or so. Anyway, we ended with 3 kits (Cinny, Cheddar, Cha Cha) and Pepper. All the kits except Cha Cha are now larger than Pepper.

Aug 28

Stale blueberry pie tonight, along with some assorted veggies. Pepper followed us up the lane to SS Ridge, but backed off when Cinnamon decided to eat the treats. Pepper got the deck of the hutka for her space however, and Cheddar was bouncing on the sitting rock. All met for treats at the top of the hill and harmony seemed to be the order of the day. Pepper stopped eating first and went over by the trees and spent the rest of the time grooming herself. Cheddar bopped around a little and then headed toward Pepper. I kept calling "Cheddar, stay away from Pepper. You know the two of you fight." As if she understood, she went about 10 feet beyond Pepper, plopped down, and started her grooming program. Cinny kept nosing out dry cat food. Another kit kept crossing back and forth down the lane. It was too far away for me to tell. It looked like Cha Cha, but then Cha Cha would have come closer. It must have been Chicken.

Aug 29

Late getting on the fox hunt tonight because we were out for a lobster dinner. Taking care of our own needs before the foxes. Shame! Cheddar, Cha Cha and Pepper were the gang tonight. They got lots of bread crusts cut off from the fancy sandwiches I made yesterday for Tom to take to Lodge for Visitation. They seemed delighted with the soft bread. Another fox kept running across the bottom of the lane - from spruce plantation to spruce plantation. It didn't hang around long enough for me to see who it was, except I know it was NOT Cinnamon. So, it's either Critter or Chicken or someone I don't know. The sunset was incredible so my guest Harriet and I drove back to see if Tom wanted to go to SS Ridge to watch it. He declined so we drove back another way so the foxes wouldn't be disturbed. As we were driving back via the lane between the trees, Cheddar was stretched out on top of a hay roll. She watched our progress for some time. I know she thinks we're completely unstructured and don't stay gone once we leave. This deserved a handfull of Cheerios left at the top of the hill. Cheddar jumped down in one graceful leap and came to accept her second treat of the evening.

Aug 30

Cinnamon, Cheddar and Pepper out tonight. Another red fox kit was sitting on the hay roll as I came toward the top of the hill, but jumped off and ran into the trees as we neared. Whomever this fox is, it certainly is interested in watching us but not in joining us. Cinny was rather reserved tonight. Cheddar and Pepper got the most of the apple as Cinny sat in the lane absolutely entranced looking at a bird in the tree. Finally he joined the group. Pepper, as has been her modus operandi the past few nights, didn't over eat and distanced herself early to groom herself but keep watch over everything. I asked Cinnamon if he was a boy or a girl. I explained time was running out and I needed confirmation of my 3 month old guess he was a boy. As if in answer to my request, Cinny sat on his hind legs, front legs spread a little wider than normal and gave Harriet and me adequate confirmation this fox is a male. I suppose this means I'll be losing him soon as he disperses - unless the range is food plentiful enough to keep another male around. Cheddar has taken dancing lessons from Cha Cha as she dances every where - and then poses prettily. All summer long she kept her mouth open - as if she had adnoid problems. Definitely a mouth breather. Getting better now, tho and is actually a neater eater than Cinny. Cheddar got the rest of the apple cores and decided to sit and rest a spell. She sat near Pepper. (Will she never learn?) The two of them were too lazy it appears to get up and box it out, but they both had their ears back snarling at each other. I called out "Now stop that. Be nice." They looked at me with an expression of "say what?" The snarled again, both inching closer to the other by creeping along on their bellies. I called out again "The two of you quit that. It's undignified. Pepper, pick on someone your own age. Cheddar, stop looking for a fight. Now shake hands and make up." Harriet thought I had lost my reason, but the two sat up, looked at me again, Cheddar shook her head once, and both decided to groom their legs. Shortly thereafter, Cheddar came to the hill top where Cinny was still snuffing out apple pieces and the two of them did kissy kissy. Warmed my heart.

Aug 31

In haste. Pepper and Cheddar showed up for T Bone steak. Another fox head poked out of the trees, but didn't come out.

Sep 1

More steak tonight. Pepper and Cheddar almost friendly. Pepper got a bone and Cheddar (who never seems to learn) trotted after her - for what purpose was not clear. Pepper stopped, turned and snarled. Cheddar belly scrubbed, put her ears back, but didn't push the issue. Another fox kit was in and out of the trees, but whether 'twas Cha Cha, Critter or Chicken, I don't know. It was not Cinnamon. I'm concerned that Cinny hasn't been around lately. Wonder (now that we know for sure he is male) if he is doing a practice dispersal and will be back in a few days.

Sep 2

A grand reunion tonight. Cinnamon, Cheddar, Cha Cha and Critter all chased the car up the reopened lane. Cinny came to SSridge and cleaned those pieces of T bone steak up while Cheddar danced around the sitting rock. Cha Cha and Critter ran around the triangular piece of ground between the sitting rock and the spruce trees acting very excited. Cha Cha ran over and sat on the top of the hill as the car started to move down. Cinny came streaking down from the hutka which sent Cha Cha and Critter into the trees. Cheddar and Cinnamon got *all* of the steak bits before Pepper came skulking out. I can't believe that Pepper lowered her head to Cinny, and sat off at the side just watching and not trying to eat. I finally tossed the T bone to her. It still had lots of meat on it. Pepper grabbed it and ran into the trees. There were plenty of green beans thrown out to go with the steak, but were ignored by both Cheddar and Cinnamon. Cheddar was in the mood to "kill" everything tonight. She pounced on every piece of meat, pounced on a green bean before rejecting it, and even pounced on all the cheerios. I was so sorry I didn't have a camera of this "bucking-horse" like fox. Critter came out of one side of the trees and stopped in the lane. I threw her a milk bone which scared her mightily, sending her into the trees again. The tractor (of the man who bought the hay and has been loading the hay bales for the last 4 days) came roaring up the lane and nearly ran me over. I have told the boy several times to use the reopened lane. He was so startled to see me, he had to swerve and the tractor ran right over where the foxes were feeding - crushing all the cheerios to powder. Chedder ran, Pepper ran, and Cinny came over to the opposite side of the car so the car would be between him and the tractor. The tractor's return trip went down the reopened lane with me behind him until he stopped and I reminded him not to use the lane between the spruce trees. He blanched at the thought of what might have happened and promised he wouldn't.

Sep 3

Guests from Seniornet along on the fox hunt. Pouring rain. Cheddar is the only one who showed up for the pork fat treat. Cheddar showed off by doing one little prance/pounce on the tid bit. I, of course, was too dumb to come in out of the rain. Just stood there and called "kit kit".

Sep 4

Visitors went along to see if others showed up tonight. Leftover goodies from dinner such as liver, carrots, potatoes, etc. Cheddar was out showing me where to leave food. Cinnamon and Cha Cha watched from the safety of the spruce trees. At the top of the hill Pepper joined Cheddar (harmonious tonight believe it or not) in the balanced meal. Cinny and Cha Cha never came out.

Sep 5

No one showed up for Porterhouse steak.

Sep 6

Cha Cha and another fox watched me go up the reopened lane, but disappeared into the trees on my stops at the sitting rock and the top of the hill. More steak tonight. After waiting 10 minutes and no one showing up, I backed up about 10 feet and Cha Cha came out. Extremely nervous. Gathered as much as her mouth would hold and then run to the safety of the trees. She would sit at the edge where I could see her and eat all her tid bits. She would come to gather more, and once again retreat to the safety of the trees. Another fox ran across the bottom of the lane but I couldn't tell who it was or if it was the earlier fox that had watched me go up. As I came back to the house, Tom was in the yard and suggested we drive through the woods. As we made our trip up the reopened lane we could see Cha Cha and Chicken at the hill top. I am assuming Chicken was the other fox. Both of them very, very wary. I said to Tom "I wonder if the coyotes are passing through again and this is making them nervous." Back in the woods, on the cross road between the clear cut road and the circle road we found fresh coyote scat. It had not been there 2 days ago. Coming out, Chicken was still at the hill top trying to get the dry cat food out of the grass. As soon as the car came near she jumped and turned in the air and made a dash for the trees. I feel quite abandoned. This is so early for the foxes to dispurse or not come out. It has to be those gol durned coyotes.

Sep 7

No one came out when Tom and I went up to feed, armed with video camera. I left food and we waited at the top of the hill. Nothing. I did spot some coyote scat just a few yards from where we usually feed. Not good. Tom suggested I drive to the back of that field (where I spotted coyote in early August) to see if there were any beasties lurking. Saw none. When we returned to the top of the hill, Cha Cha and Chicken were gleaning the tidbits, but tore off as soon as we approached. Tom's guess is the coyotes have made the foxes wild instincts all aquiver and our socialization is through until the coyotes depart - if they ever do. They may be settling in for the winter now. Ruth, across the road, found fox scat in her yard the other night, as did we. The coyotes may have chased the foxes back to the shore - and my foxes will now be Ruth's foxes. (We shared them as newborns - might as well have her look after them during the winter. She loves them too.)

Sep 8

A quick trip tonight as I am in the midst of making pickles. Our leftovers from dinner (pork chop bones, baked potato, beets) was also the fox menu. Only Cha Cha came out. I have eliminated SS Ridge and the hutka as feeding sites as I fear coyotes may be eating the bits left there. Last night I mentiioned coyote scat at the top of the hill. Tonight there was coyote scat at the sitting rock. Some brave little fox left fox scat just 6 inches away from it. I don't know which came first, but it appears they are arguing over the sitting rock. Cha Cha ate very nervously - grabbing a mouthful and running to the edge of the trees for safety. I don't know whether to stop feeding or not. It appears it isn't fun for the foxes nor is it for me anymore. Yet, I hate to have them show up and get nothing when they can see we are still in residence. I have already been cutting down as there are fewer foxes attending the banquet. A dilemma.

Sep 9

Toyota in for painting, battery dead in Chryler. No fox hunt tonight.

Sep 10

Just went to sitting rock and top of the hill to leave a few morsels. I called and called but no one came out. I don't know whether you call them midges, nits, gnats, or no-see-ems but they were swarming tonight. Finally sought refuge in the car. Eventually Cinnamon stuck his head out, came to the middle of the lane, saw the going-to-town car (Toyota still in for a paint job) and went back into the trees. Wouldn't come out again. I'm glad he's so leery of a strange car. As I drove down the lane between the trees, I could see him come out again in the rear view mirror.

Sep 11

Well, just as I was about to give up, things reverted to almost normal. I was talking to a neighbor as I was leaving for the fox hunt. The wind was such that voices on our deck carried up the hill, I'm sure. As I got half way between the ditch by the garden and the first rise, I startled Cheddar. She was obviously coming to see what was going on - but the strange car surprised and unnerved her. She did her famous jump turn and bounced across the field, stopped every few minutes to turn and look at this different vehicle. I should have the Toyota back on Saturday with its new paint job - same color, however. As I got to the sitting rock, I could see Cinnamon waiting for me at the top of the hill. And - fresh fox scat had been left ON TOP of the sitting rock. Been a long time since they did that, but if that isn't letting the coyotes know whose territory this is, I don't know what else would tell them. Cinny started to run up to the sitting rock, but backed up as the car started down hill to the hill top. He moved to the edge of the trees as I left cheerios and hamburger bun. I was talking and nattering away the whole time. Rather than force anything, I got back into the car. Cinny promptly came out and started eating. He ate where the food was, rather than taking it into the trees. Cha Cha came dancing out - sort of. A stealthy dance I'd call it. She wouldn't come eat the food as the car disturbed her, but she sat by the trees the whole time. She made a couple of overtures, but then backed up. Critter ran out, stopped in the lane, stared, and moved off into the trees on the other side. Meanwhile, Cinnamon just kept hoovering up the cheerios. No other sign of Cheddar. When it was time to leave, I started yelling "bye bye" before I turned the ignition on. Cinny looked up, took a step backwards, Critter and Cha Cha went into the trees. I then turned the car on and started forward and Cinnamon disappeared into the trees. As I passed the feeding area, I looked in the rear view mirror and three little foxes were out eating.

Sep 12

Early morning walk to the sitting rock and top of the hill. Fresh fox scat on the reopened lane. Wonder if this is a range marker as I've not seen any here before. The sitting rock has become, I think, the post office or message board. Several small pieces of fox scat all around the rock, plus the fresh scat on top I noticed last night.

Cheddar was curled up in the lane between the trees as I drove up and Cinnamon was waiting at the top of the hill. Cheddar "freaked" at the sight of the strange car and shrieked a panic alarm and ran into the trees. Cinny followed. I went on to Sunset Ridge to see what was happening there and fresh fox scat (no more than 24 hours old) had been left on the feeding area - as if to say "here, please". I left a couple of scraps of bread and went to the sitting rock. No foxes in sight. Left some bread and liverwurst (sandwich makings) and continued to the hill top where I left more of the same. I waited in the car and no one came out. I backed up a little, turned the motor off and waited, but nothing. Finally Cha Cha ran across the lane but didn't even look at the food. I was reduced to backing the car all the way to the sitting rock before Cinnamon and Cha Cha came out. Cha Cha was extremely nervous. Cinny was not nearly as comfortable as he had been last night, but Cheddar's anxiety attack had everyone on edge. Another fox ran across the lane, but from the distance of the sitting rock, I couldn't tell if it was Cheddar or Critter.

Sep 13

The foxes celebrated the return of the Toyota by behaving naturally. Cinnamon followed the car up to SSRidge and ate liverwurst as soon as I threw it out. I didn't even get to pull away from the hutka before he was on the deck eating the bread pieces. Cha Cha was waiting at the sitting rock and didn't cart how close I got. Cheddar was at the hill top, and joined by Cinny and Cha Cha. When they showed up, Cheddar got a mouthfull and disappeared into the trees, never to return. Critter sat by the edge, watching the entire process, but not joining in. I had been invited to Ruth's across the road for dinner and bridge tonight, and did the rude thing of leaving between the main course and dessert to feed the foxes. Therefore I didn't tarry. Cinny refused to leave the middle of the lane and I kept yelling "Bye Bye". As the Toyota got closer, she finally moved to the side. What a difference a car makes.

Sep 14

None of the foxes were out as I went up the lane tonight so I thought I might as well take a tour of the woods. Could see no new coyote scat on the roads in the woods, so that is good news. I can almost tell, however, when the coyotes are in the area by the way the foxes act. At least I think I can. Came out of the woods and drove by the old hollow log den. No fox trails down to the brook so they aren't getting that one ready for anything - yet. Came to SSRidge via a different direction. Cha Cha was pacing back and forth at the Ridge as if to say "I'm in no mood for games." As soon as the car came near she raced toward the sitting rock. A second fox leaped from its hiding place in the field and raced down the reopened lane. I don't know if it was Cheddar or Critter as the two are identical from the rear. I left food at the sitting rock (some fruit loops and a few bits of bologna) and Cha Cha was dancing in the triangle below. As soon as the car started to move toward the top of the hill, she was on the rock. The insects weren't bad tonight so I stayed out of the car when I finished distributing food at the top of the hill. Cha Cha wouldn't come close. I guess I have retreated to the car too often. I got into the car, slammed the door, and she was her usual friendly self. I didn't put much out as I couldn't see the second fox and I didn't want her to eat too much. When she finished all that I had put out, the little minx came right up to the car door, sat, and just looked at me. How could I not give her some dry cat food! It was nicely hidden in the tall grass so it took her a while to get it all. She repeated the same begging at the car door so I tossed her a fruit loop and said "bye bye" and started the car. The little fool ran to right in front of the car, as if she knew I wouldn't go forward if she were there. And this is the fox that wouldn't come out of the trees when I had the other car. Just then a fox ran out of the trees, stood in the lane, barked (yipped) and went into the trees on the other side. I was so busy watching Cha Cha I couldn't tell for sure who the other fox was. In any case, Cha Cha moved to the side of the lane (driver's side of course) and ran next to the car for a few paces while I tossed a couple of broken milk bone to her. She has my number.

Sep 15

As I drove up the reopened lane, I could see a fox sitting at the hilltop, waiting and watching. I left tid bits at SS Ridge, the hutka and as I was coming down, could see a fox jump off the sitting rock and run across the triangle for the trees. The fox at the hill top didn't move until I got out of the car to leave fruit loops on the sitting rock. As I neared the hill top I could see no sign of fox life. I got out, left hamburger bun, fruit loops, a little bologna and a piece of chocolate chip cookie that had fallen on the floor. Not a whisper of a fox (nor a whisker). However, there were four pieces of new scat lined up on the lane like railroad tracks, 2 each side. It reminded me of when the children had to share a bedroom, how carefully they delineated their side (read territory). Don't know if this is coincidence or we're having a turf war. Very very windy tonight. The wind rocked the car as I sat. I finally concluded nothing would happen with me that close so I backed up to the sitting rock. Two foxes promptly came one. One looked like Critter (tho without binoculars I wasn't sure) and the other could have been Chicken. However, I have seen Chicken so rarely, I just can't be sure. It was NOT any of my regulars. And oh my, they were nervous. They looked like two girls going into a singles bar for the first time. Head down to pick up a morsel - stare at me - chew - head down to pick up a morsel - stare at me - chew, etc, etc. I finally decided I wasn't learning anything new and and was only upsetting them, so left. The "strange" fox was the same size as Cha Cha and Cheddar, and had coloring similar to Cinnamon's. The other fox looked like Critter.

Sep 16

Cheddar was waiting in the triangle as I drove past on my way to SS Ridge and hutka. As I was leaving the hutka, Cheddar was halfway along to see what was taking so long (the sky was gorgeous tonight and I "enjoyed"). She raced in front of the car, jumped on the sitting rock and kept on to the middle of the triangle where she squatted. Couldn't tell if it was scat or marking. As soon as I got out of the car she bounced toward the sitting rock and watched as I distributed the treats. She was about 10 feet from the rock when she squatted again. The grass was so high once again I couldn't tell what she was doing. However as soon as I said "OK" she rose and pranced toward the rock. The scat that is still there she just pushed aside with her nose to get a better attack at the bread and bologna. I put the car in first gear and she immediately jumped from the rock and ran to the top of the hill. As soon as I got out to toss treats, she was at my feet. I only had had time to toss a few. She was disappointed at the scantly outlay. I got the video camera out and got some good photos of her. She ran back to the rock and I went on with my treat distribution. A gorgeous rainbow, so had to video that. Cheddar looked a little put out that I wasn't giving her all my attention. She had a great time nosing for the bologna (bread and fruit loops left until last.) Suddenly another fox appeared at the tree's edge. It sat patiently. Cheddar ran to the edge of the trees and neither of them moved. I got back into the car and Cheddar came back. The other fox turned around several times, making a bed for herself. I could see it was Critter. She lay there the entire encounter. As I was leaving, I tossed some dry cat food out. They know the "bye bye" and the sound of the car moving forward and the fact there is one last treat. Critter came right out by the car. She was so shocked at what she did, she just froze. I threw the cat food and quickly went on my way. It didn't take her long to get to where it had fallen and I could see her eating as I looked thru the rear view mirror.

Sep 17

As I turned onto the lane from the hutka a fox came running from the field on the left and another was leaping over grass in the field on the right. They ran on either side of the car (not close - about 50 feet away) with one leaping *over* the sitting rock and both ran into the trees. They obviously were alerted by the sound of the car. They both hid in the trees and wouldn't come out until I distanced myself somewhat. Critter was the first one out. The other watched from the edge of the trees. It finally ran across the lane and watched from the edge of the trees on the other side. I videod a little and decided it wasn't worth getting them upset. I backed up to the sitting rock and was making my way back down the reopened lane. Both foxes were in open view at the top of the hill so I got some more video footage. I wasn't sure who the second fox was. It is bigger than Critter (tho still a yearling) and has a gorgeous big tail. In watching the video, I still don't know. It could be Chicken - it certainly acts like her. Though I thought Chicken's tail was lighter in color and that Chicken and Critter were the same size. Interesting.

Sep 18

Walked up the hill behind the house just after dawn. The dark clouds left over from night were back lit with the sun giving them silver halos. Dark rose to light pink streaks filled the sky with swirls of white clouds overhead. An adult fox jumped out of the brush in the field to my left as I was walking up (the field below Sunset Ridge) and zig zagged across the field with a cute wiggle to its fanny. In the field to my right (the field above our garden) I could see a dark shape working its way back and forth. It was too small to be a raccoon, too dark to be a fox, so I opened my shooting stick and sat and watched. Soon, the animal turned and I saw the distinctive flash of white which pronounced our visitor to be a relative of Pepe Le Piew. Another skunki joined him and they both scuttled into the pine trees. Reaching the hutka the dark clouds were pretty well gone, and now the dusky rose streaks were back-lit with silver. A good day to be alive.

During my morning walk I noticed the reopened lane had several pieces of fresh scat in three areas up the length of the lane. This looks to my uninformed eye as a true range mark. The lane between the trees has the same amount of fresh scat. Unless someone knows otherwise, I am assuming the "triangle" where the sitting rock and the top of the hill are located is considered neutral ground. This may explain why foxes are taking turns showing up at night.

Driving back thru the woods this morning, the main road between the 2nd turnaround and the circle road is littered with fresh coyote scat. Some of it was so fresh it was almost steaming.

Notwithstanding the above, the foxes were out in full force tonight. Cha Cha and Cheddar followed the car up to SS Ridge. I was separating the tiny pieces of bologna (they do tend to stick together) when I heard a "rrrrroooofff". I looked out and there was Cha Cha right at the car door. I dropped some food to her and Cheddar was there immediately. So, tossed some to her and drove on to the hutka. Cha Cha led the way and was waiting on the deck when I got there. Critter and "Chicken" were down below in the triangle. As soon as I got out of the car at the sitting rock, both melted into the trees. However, Cha Cha and Cheddar jumped onto the rock (it barely holds the two of them now they are so big), sat nicely, and waited for me to toss fruit loops to them. At the top of the hill I had a brownie to dispense. I am leery of foxes and chocolate as some believe it can harm them. I figured with four foxes to share it however, it should be safe. I threw half of it (in bits) into the trees where Critter and "Chicken" were and the other half to Cha Cha and Cheddar. They liked the bologna and fruit loops better. Gosh, Cheddar is getting gorgeous. Day by day she gets prettier and prettier.

Sep 19

Cinnamon and Cheddar followed me up the lane to SSRidge. Cinny stepped on my foot as I was tearing up a crust of bread to leave. Not at all afraid. Cheddar arrived so Cinny went on to the hutka and waited for me on the deck. Got a little piece of ham and some fruit loops. Again at the sitting rock Cinny and Cheddar shared the treats. Pepper was waiting below at the top of the hill. Pepper didn't come near as I was distributing food, but Cinny nearly brush against my leg and Cheddar did her airs above ground just to show me she hadn't forgot how. Cinny came and sat in front of me, waiting for another ham toss. I bent down and inspected his "nether regions" and he truly is a male. After we chatted for a bit, I got back into the car and Pepper came out. Cinny showed great respect, putting his ears back, and bowing almost to the point of kow towing. (sp?) Cheddar just kept her distance, but when she and Pepper inadvertently neared each other, all was harmonious. After a while Pepper either tired of the social interaction with me or the menu and went over to the edge of the trees to stretch out and watch. Soon the food was gone and Cheddar sat down near bare spot at the top of the hill to groom herself. Cinny came up to the car door and looked so appealing. I put some dry cat food in my hand, started the car, called "bye bye" and rolled forward. Cheddar jumped to about 30 feet away. Cinny moved to about 3 feet away. I tossed the cat food and rolled down the hill. Just by the close proximity, Cinny got there first. Pepper came running from the trees and Cheddar tried to block her. The two of them (again!) got up on their hind legs and duked it out. A fourth fox (couldn't see who in my rear view mirror) came out from the trees on the other side, got 2 or 3 bits of cat food and disappeared into the trees. Cinny kept hoovering them up as Pepper and Cheddar went rolling on the ground. Those two NEVER got along; don't know why Cheddar pushes it. It was so good to see Cinnamon. I assume his absence has been due to trial dispersals. One of these days he'll go for good so I treasure each time I see him. Wish I had the camera with me tonight.

Sep 20

Pouring rain. Didn't go back.

Sep 21

Went 2 hours early tonight as we had 25 dinner guests arriving at the normal time of the fox hunt. Woke Cheddar up - not sure where she was sleeping, but she came yawning when she heard the car. Left a treat of raisin bread which she thoroughly enjoyed. Hastened back to finish dinner preparations.

Sep 22

Two foxes playing in the field just after dawn this morning when I was taking my early walk. I did more sitting and watching than walking, I fear. They were in the field behind the house. And, they were playing - not hunting. It looked to be a game of tag.

So much food left over from last night. Tonight was fox vegetarian night. Beets, beans, potatos, carrots, corn, with a little raisin bread. Cinnamon and Cheddar raced the car up the lane - one on each side. Stopped at all the usual places. Pepper and Critter joined the group at the top of the hill. Pepper not very hungry - take a few bites, hang around for awhile, then go into the trees. Three or four minutes later she would emerge again. Cinny and Cheddar very bold. Critter would only come out when the cold wind made me retreat to the car. I threw some fruit loops, one at a time, and Cheddar would twirl prettily on her hind legs to see where they went. A most acrobatic fox. Pepper appeared again, and Cinny showed great respect; ears flat back, and way way down on his belly. Cheddar just ignored her. Cinny, Critter and Pepper went around the bend of the lane out of sight and the most awful noise of fighting took place. Don't know who was fighting who, but Cheddar stopped eating, watched whatever was going on with ears pricked far forward. We backed way up - almost to the sitting rock - and 2 other foxes ran out of the trees and across the lane.

Sep 23

Some turkey bones and scraps tonight that absolutely sent Cheddar and "Chicken" (I think) into shudders of delight. The muffler and tail pipe split/broke/burst/fell off or whatever going over a bump back in the woods today. A new one has been ordered but won't be in until Thursday. Meanwhile, the Toyota sounds like a dozen Harley's revving into Daytona Beach. Cheddar heard the whine of the engine as it labored up the hill and she raced along as usual. When we got to the flat raceway and the car did its Harley imitation, she ran for SS Ridge and hid behind the cairn there. Cinny came from another direction so Cheddar left the area to her and raced for the sitting rock, not even bothering to go close to the hutka. She was sitting by the sitting rock as I approached. As the car stopped she fox-trotted in circles in the triangle, waiting for me to deposit the food and leave. I left turkey scraps and raisin bread. As soon as she smelled the turkey, she was up on the rock, not caring that I was still tearing the bread into pieces. Chicken was waiting in the trees at the top of the hill. I left turkey bones, fat, scraps of meat, raisin bread and some dry cat food at this site. Cheddar was practically stepping on my feet to wait for the next toss. The drizzle became serious rain so I threw the rest and dashed for the car. As I pulled away, Chicken came out and was doing some serious damage to a turkey leg bone. Her ears were back, as were Cheddars chewing away on a wing, with looks of absolute ecstasy on their faces.

Sep 24

Walked up the hill behind the house just after dawn this morning. The sky was gorgeous and the air clean and crisp. As I neared the "Y" where the reopened lane branches off, a fox sat watching me. I had been looking at the sky and at the ground for scat so don't know how long it had been watching me. As I neared, it ran into the trees. Puffing my way up the reopened lane, a little fox head popped out to check on my progress. At the sitting rock, I opened my shooting stick to rest for a while and the fox sat on the lane between the spruce trees watching me watch it. Caught my breath and went striding down the hill to the usual feeding spot. Left a couple of milk bone and proceeded back to the house. Just before the lane turned and I wouldn't be able to see the spot anymore, I looked back and there was the fox chewing on the milk bone watching me walk away. It looked like Critter - but without my glasses or a closer view I'm not sure.

The noisy car whined its way up the reopened lane and three fox kits appeared from all directions; one left, one right, and one running toward me. Cha Cha and Cheddar followed the car to SS Ridge. Cheddar left that area and the hutka to Cha Cha but gloried in racing the car both on the way up and on the way down. She is so cute; runs flat out for several paces and then for no reason makes a mighty leap and is airborn for what seems forever, but must be at least 3 seconds. How she loves to fly. She'll run some more to get up speed and then take another mighty leap. She loved the cooked buttered carrots, but wasn't too pleased with the beef stew tonight. You could tell she wanted turkey such as was last night's menu. As I pulled away, Cha Cha and Critter came to join Cheddar in the feast. Cha Cha danced all around, sniffing everything before daintily selecting some carrots. Critter just ate what was before her, but looked up and around after every mouthfull. Had left a fire going in the fireplace so left early. What a sound the car makes. Will be glad to get its new muffler on tomorrow.

Sep 25

Did the fox hunt 20 minutes early tonight as we have to get to the airport. Turkey trimmings and bones again tonight, along with some stale bread. No one came out to meet me. Left tid bits at each of the places and moved on. At the top of the hill, I stayed to see if anything would happen. Called kit kit several times and retreated to the car. It's very cold tonight and the wind is blowing so hard it rocks the car. Looking out at the water, it's line after line of white caps. Finally Cheddar emerged, yawning, and looking none too pleased. Once she got a whiff of the turkey, however, her spirits seemed to improve. She ran from place to place gathering all the meat bits and completely ignoring the bread. At least whomoever comes later will have a scrap of something to eat, even if it isn't meat. As before on very windy days, Cheddar was quite skittish. I sneezed and she jumped, turned, and ended up in the trees all in one motion.

Sep 26

Cinny and Cheddar raced the car up to SS Ridge. They had been waiting in the field behind the house. It makes me feel so good to see them so happy at the sight/sound of the Toyota. I know it isn't me - it's the food I bring, but it does make me feel welcome. Cinny quite the dominate one tonight - but lovingly so. Meat balls enthralled them as much as previous nights' turkey. Cheddar is very adept at sniffing out 4 grains of ground beef in tall grass. Nothing new behavior-wise to report tonight. Their tails are getting gorgeous.

Sep 27

Had company for dinner tonight and served a pork roast so lots of bones, flakes, fat, leavings, etc. for the foxes. Had made an apple pie and saved the apple cores for them too. Cinny and Cheddar raced the car to SS Ridge. Someone has been eating the red berries from the Mountain Ash trees and left scat at SS Ridge that is almost all berry and just a little fecal matter holding it together. Cinnamon didn't wait for me to finish tearing up the dinner roll; he came and got the pieces from the car window as I tossed them. Cheddar doesn't eat at SS Ridge nor the hutka, she just likes to run. Left a pork bone at the hutka and on to the sitting rock. I could hardly toss anything onto it as both Cheddar and Cinny had their forelegs up on the rock, waiting for each goodie. I could see Cha Cha at the hill top but she disappeared by the time I got there. Cheddar raced the car down, doing her "flying" bit. How she loves to run. Reminds me of Pepper at that age. Cinny and Cheddar went nuts with all the pork bits and bones at the hill top. They even enjoyed the apple cores. Cha Cha came out and found a huge bone in the tall grass. She picked it up and ran into the trees. Cinny ran after her. I got back in the car and said to my guest "Wait for the screeching." Cheddar must have thought so too, as she stopped eating and watched the location where they disappeared, ears pricked forward and very much on the alert. No sounds of fighting. Shortly thereafter, Cinny came running out and Cha Cha was right behind him. The three of them continued "grazing" very harmoniously as we left.

Sep 28

Did my fox hunt 2 hours early tonight as we had a dinner engagement. Didn't expect to see anyone, but thought at least they would find food when they came. I was surprised that Critter poked her head out of the spruce trees as we headed up the reopened lane and followed us - at a distance - to SS Ridge, the hutka, the sitting rock and the top of the hill. She thoroughly enjoyed getting the turkey bits we left without any competition from her siblings.

Sep 29

Gale force winds and driving "horizontal" rain. I've noticed before the foxes don't like windy weather. No one chased the car to SS Ridge nor the hutka. At the sitting rock I had to get out of the car to leave turkey bits and mini Shredded Wheat (which blew off) and in the few minutes it took me with the rain at my back I became completely soaked. Went on to the top of the hill and threw food from the car window. Cha Cha came out and looked surprised to see the car where I usually stand. Didn't bother her though. It is fairly sheltered on the lane between the spruce trees. I backed up to see if any other "nervous" creature would come out, but in 10 minutes of watching, Cha Cha was it. She, like Critter last night, seemed to enjoy the lack of competition in getting the choice bits. The older they get the easier it is to tell them apart at a glance. They not only have maintained early personal habits but their markings become more distinctive. This is the reddest litter we've had that I am aware of. No greys at all, tho some are getting a very few grey guard hairs in the hind quarters.

Sep 30

Lovely night. Cinny and Cheddar chased me up the reopened lane. I tried to video thru the rear view mirror but I doubt it will turn out. Cinny sat patiently by the front left tire as I sorted out some treats for SS Ridge. Cheddar sat behind the pile of stones. This is the first time I've seen them share the treats at SS Ridge. Cinny went on to the hutka but Cheddar just raced the car to the sitting rock. I tried to video that - but it was juggling the camera, keeping it focused on the fox, driving, shifting, etc. That footage should be interesting anyway. Both Cinny and Cheddar wound up at the sitting rock together. I was leaving the remainder of the turkey pieces and bones at the top of the hill and didn't have my camera handy. Cheddar wanted something Cinny had, and there was the tail draping behavior again. Wish I had been able to tape it. Meanwhile, Cha Cha came out of the trees and got the breast bone (and you know how big that is). She dashed for the trees. Cinny must have had some 6th sense as he came tearing down the hill and went after her in the trees. No squealling however. Then Cheddar found a leg bone and she dashed for the trees on the other side of the lane. Cinny was just coming out of the trees on the other side from having chased Cha Cha when he spied Cheddar. Gave chase to her - but once again, no fighting sounds. Cha Cha didn't come out again until I was leaving. However, Cheddar came out immediately so I assume she cached her bone. The two foxes were doing very well crunching the bones and chasing them down with fruit loops. As I pulled away (backed up) Cha Cha came out again and I got video of the three of them.