Vicki Fox > Guests > PEI Foxes > 1998 Journal 3Q

PEI Foxes - 1998 Journal : July to September

Jul 1

Walked up the hill this morning and food was gone.

Put ground beef and fried potatoes out tonight, along with date nut bread. Waited 50 minutes and no one showed so started the car to go home. Got 10 feet from the top of the hill and Darlin came out and stood and looked at me. I quickly shut the car off and nattered away to him. How was she, where did she live, etc. She listened, cocked his head, and ate. A fox barked to the east, and she turned his head to listen, but didn't stop eating. Shortly thereafter, she went on the alert looking to the west. Put her head down to eat again, and quickly on the alert (to the west) once more. Finally leaped (in 2 gracefull arcs) into the trees on the other side of the lane.

Two minutes later another fox appeared from the east. I have seen this one before. It's a lighter version of Smokie - unless in the late twilight, Smokie gets lighter. I made the error of speaking to the fox and s/he went into the trees. A few minutes later, it crossed the lane to the other side. I decided to go on home and as I was creeping down the lane, Darlin crossed (from west to east) at the bottom of the spruce trees.

When I reached the Y with the reopened lane I decided to wheel around and just see if the "Smokie light" was back at the top of the hill. As I came up the reopened lane, there was ANOTHER RED on the sitting rock. It couldn't be Darlin as there wasn't time for him to get there. As the car pulled even, this fox ran toward my hutka, didn't look back, passed the hutka, and kept going at top speed toward the woods.

I was surprised during my walk this morning at the total lack of scat. Unless the driving rain last night did away with it.

Jul 2

Darlin showed up right on time and went to the other side of the lane first this time. This is the new side. Smokie must have told her. I was out of the car taking video and it didn't bother him in the least. Suddenly, she went at the alert and dashed to the cover of the spruce trees. From the other side the lighter version of Smokie appeared. I shall plagarize one of David Macdonald's names and call this one Mottle, because mottled she is. Darlin ran up to her, belly scrubbing along the grass, tail wagging furiously, and did the kissy kiss. Mottle didn't like me being out of the car but gave me several chances; she went in and out of the trees five or six times. Each time she's pick up a piece of bread or something. And nearly each time she came out, Darlin rushed up to her, extremely obsequios, belly scrub, tail wag, kissy kiss. The mosquitos were eating me through my mosquito proof netting so I got back into the car and the movement scared Mottle away. Darlin followed her. As I was driving down the lane I called "kit kit" and left some dry cat food sprinkled along the lane. Darlin came running from the bottom of the spruce trees, but waited until the car was past before investigating.

Jul 3

I got a good close up of the underside to check male/female but the viewfinder doesn't help us much on viewing this. Will be in Chicago in a couple of weeks. Soooo, rather than Dufus (this fox kit is too smart) we have a Darlin'.

Tonight's hunt had Darlin and Smokie come together. Lots of kissy kissy and neither of them cared a whit that I was about 12 away from where they were. Smokie even trotted closer to me at one point. Just as I was ready to leave, Mottle ran across the triangle and up the reopened lane. Darlin romped and played and was a proper "child" - albeit a fairly large one.

After viewing the tape, Tom said the earlier aggressive behavior of Darlin could have been that of a spoiled only child. Anyway - Darlin looks nothing like Smokie or Mottle.

Jul 5

Mottle came trotting up the lane between the trees and headed right for the top of the hill. I turned the video on and the noise of the tape starting up startled her and she dashed into the trees. She must have a trail in there as the next time I saw her she was sitting under the trees half way down the lane. She was on her stomach with her head between her paws. Every once in a while she would raise herself and look around, and then put her head down again. Suddenly she rose up, went on alert, and jumped up and ran across the lane. Seconds later she and Smokie came running up the lane together. The both did a kissy kiss and went to the top of the hill. Once again the start up of the video scared Mottle away. Smokie could care less. I nattered on to Smokie who would occasionally cock his head to listen but more time was spent in eating the grandchildren's left over Sloppy Joes. Eventually, Mottle came out of the trees on the other side and, while terrified of me, took the time to fill her mouth with food and took it into the trees, never to appear again. Smokie came to see if she had left anything, found a morsel and also disappeared into the trees. During this I saw just a flash of Darlin running up the reopened lane chasing a low flying bird. I don't know if this was in earnest or the bird was just teasing the fox.

Jul 6

I got about 1/5 mile from the house on the way to the bank this morning and in a field next to some spruce trees saw a family of 5 fox kits playing. The adult seemed very responsible as it stood the whole time and kept careful watch. I, and several other cars, pulled over to the shoulder to watch. Three of the kits were solid red, one was mottled, and one was pure black. The all black one looked so cute with the start contrast with the white tip of its tail. On the way back from the bank they were still frolicking and since there was no traffic, pulled to the shoulder on the wrong side of the road and talked to the foxes. Told them I had 4 vacant dens, two of them with water view, deluxe catering, free rent. Invited them to move in.

Evening fox hunt: Drove up, stopped the car at the hill top, got out of the car and walked around the rear to the feeding site and stopped - amazed! There was Darlin not three feet from me. She walked with me as I left the food. Sometimes there might have been as much as five feet but s/he stuck pretty close. I got some nice close-up still pictures. The camera flashed for the last one and she jumped and ran toward the trees, but stopped and watched me for a minute and then came back. The mosquitos were eating me alive so I got into the car and drove to the sitting rock to leave bread, turned around, rolled back to the top of the hill - and Darlin could have cared less. I talked the entire time. Finally she went into the trees and didn't come back. The scalloped potatoes were left along with a few strawberries so I waited to see if Mottle or Smokie showed up; they didn't.

Jul 7

Fish for dinner tonight with leftovers going to the foxes. Grandson Clifford and I went on the fox hunt leaving delicious butter steamed cod, strawberries and wax beans. Darlin was the only fox to show. She hate a piece of bread, a strawberry, all the beans, took a mouthful of fish and dropped it on the ground. She moved about two paces over, rubbed her head on the ground, rolled over on her back, rubbed her head again, went back to the feeding site, got a mouthfull of bread and trotted off into the trees. Entire encounter took about 2 minutes. Waited to see if adults would show, but after another 30 minutes gave up.

Jul 8

To our niece and nephew's for dinner. Grandson Clayton came back with me for the fox hunt. Left uneaten strawberry shortcake. Only had to wait a few minutes and Smokie showed up. He ate all the strawberries, the strawberry juice soaked biscuit, and loaded his mouth with biscuit pieces until his jaws were nearly vertical and disappeared into the trees. Not as much fun when just one comes, but at least they are tolerating someone else in the car.

Jul 9

Returned from family dinner about an hour later than normal fox feeding time. Tom and I didn't stop at the house but went straight up the hill and left the dry cat food and Milk Bone that I always carry in the car. By the time we got to the hutka to turn around, Darlin was already eating at the top of the hill. She let the car come quite close and trotted up to me when I threw the last few bits of date nut bread I found in the car. No sign of Mottle for a couple of days. Perhaps now that she has checked us out, she is letting Darlin come and go on her own and Mottle is off to hunt without the "kid" tagging along.

Jul 10

Had company for dinner. Took carrots, peas, corn, and strawberry shortcake up the hill. Darlin was waiting and took one mouth full of shortcake from one side of the lane, went to the other side and ate a strawberry. She snuffed around looked for meat and ate a few kernels of corn. Suddenly she looked down the lane, went on the alert, jumped and ran into the trees. We waited for 20 minutes but no one else came. These foxes are very well fed so don't need the treats and don't seem too interested in socializing. They'll start cutting the hay next week and then the mice will have no place to 'hide' so the foxes will be all over the fields. Unfortunatley, I leave for Chicago on Monday and then the UK. Won't be back until the 30th.

Jul 11

Not feeling well, so just left tid bits at the feeding sites and came back and went to bed.

Jul 12

Tom went with me tonight. Darlin was waiting at the bottom of the spruce trees and 'chased' the car up the hill to the feeding area. Tom video'd as I tossed out meat balls and mashed potatoes. Darlin was never more than 2 - 3 feet from me. She didn't care that Tom (a stranger) was there. Maybe she understood that he was going to take over the feeding the next few nights. I leave for Chicago tomorrow and Tom leaves on Thursday.

After Darlin ate a good bit (more than 50 calories I fear) she went into the trees. We waited to see if anyone else would come out. About 15 minutes later Mottle came out of the trees half way down the lane. She looked at the car and crossed the lane and went into the trees on the other side. Darlin came bounding out and romped after Mottle. Waited another 10 minutes and nothing happened. So, I drove down the lane, circled back up the reopened lane, down past the sitting rock and stopped in full view of the feeding site, but farther back than previously. Within seconds Mottle and Darlin came out. They both cleaned up both areas, did some kissy, and casually went into the trees.

We'll be gone more than two weeks. Hope they re-train to the sites easily. I'll forward Tom's reports for the next few days.

Jul 13

Tom did the fox "hunt" tonight. Darlin was waiting and didn't seem to care whether it was Tom or me that did the feeding as long as the green Toyota was the catering truck. (It does have a distinctive whine.)

Jul 15

Tom's report

Only one fox showed up this evening and it was very leery of the car. It was one of the older oned, two dark spots on the side and a white spot at the tail head but it kept its heat toward me all the time except when it took off. Oh yes, someone left you a present on the deck at the hutka and I am pretty sure it is fox. It will still be there when we get back.

I left food at the berm (top of the hill) and at the sitting rock then went on to leave some at the Hootka and examine the present. the fox was feeding at the berm so I stopped, shut off the engine and waited. It had seen me and was watching me closely. I was far enough to coast but every time I put the brakes on they made a noise it could hear and got alarmed. I got half way down the slope before it took off and no one else showed up. (Note: This has to be Mottle)

Jul 31

Arrived back on PEI last night. Drove all through the property this morning and found coyotes have scat marked the Main road (from the top of the Loop Road back) the Upper Spring Road, the Clear Cut Road, and the Circle Road. At some points it was marked every two feet. One could easily see adult scat with the very small offerings just a foot away. It would appear the adults are training the young on how to mark. Scott MacDonald, our local coyote expert who now lives in Alberta, is vacationing on the Island. He went through our property last week and made the same observations. He says everything points to a coyote den on our land, but he's not sure exactly where. He did see indications of foxes at the brook. The good news is Scott's colleagues are telling him the coyote population peaked last year and is down this year. Not so many seen or killed by snowmobilers last winter, and fewer coyotes trapped. Conversely, the fox population is up. Now why should our property be just the reverse??????

SURPRISE! Smokie came tonight. I really didn't expect anyone this soon, and just sat there waiting and watching because it was better than cleaning the kitchen. Smokie did not like the scalloped potatoes nor fresh garden peas. However, hoovered up every crumb of part of a blueberry muffin and the leftover bacon ends from breakfast. He disappeared into the spruce trees and didn't come out, so I let the car roll down the hill. There she was in the middle of the field below (amongst all the hay rolls) caching something. After telling Paul (oxford urban foxes) that their foxes did a much neater job of caching, Smokie did a very professional job. At least 5 nose pushes from each angle. This was really overkill. He trotted toward the car but didn't come closer than 30 feet. There was a sudden downpour and I drove quickly back to the house to get things in off the deck.

Aug 1

One of the young man doing the haying on our fields came down to the house today when he saw me outside. He knows I'm interested in foxes. He sees "the dark fox" in the middle field almost daily. (That would be Smokie I presume.) He also sees two coyotes in the fields on a daily basis. A black one in the far field and a grey one in the middle field. The grey one is quite shy and won't let the tractor or the baler near him. The black one is quite aggresive and stands his ground. Now these fields are in a horizontal line with my hutka. Don't like the critters that close.

Mottle came for dinner tonight. She doesn't like boiled new potatoes nor fresh picked peas either. But she loved the apple pie pieces and the croissant. (You can tell which veggies are in season by the menu. Heads up for beans - they're nearly ready.) She was quite confident with the baler going back and forth in the adjacent field and the car parked about 40 feet away. She used to be the real spooky one. She looks gorgeous. Her winter coat is all shed out and her undercoat is sleek and well cared for. Her brush is absolutely gorgeous; full and glossy. Without the winter coat it's a surprise how narrow her chest is. She is obviously well fed. The haying process uncovers the mice and both the coyotes and foxes are gorged on meat during this time. Mottle cached something - couldn't see what it was - and made a very slap dash mess of it. One nose push; and the area she was trying to dig in is hard as rock - don't think she dug very deep.

Since they are coming one at a time perhaps Darlin will show tomorrow night. Not taking any video as there's not much to see with only one fox. It's the interaction that's interesting.

Aug 2

Wow, what a night. I spent 40 minutes waiting and the sun had set, so decided to come back home. Really disappointed that no one showed up for an outstanding menu; meaty pork chop bones, new potatoes, and peas again. I started the car and suddenly Darlin came dashing out. It was almost as if she were waiting for the sound of the car. I thought "well, I predicted she'd be out tonight." Then I noticed a fox's head by one of the hay rolls. It was watching me watch it. It finally trotted out and it was Smokie. The two foxes greeted each other and proceeded to sample the buffet. Suddenly the two of them went on the alert. Another fox head appeared in the grass and trotted out into view. Another kit!!!! Thank heaven I had the video with me tonight as I'll have to check it for distinguishing marks but I think it has a lighter back than Darlin. Darlin and Smokie greeted the new arrival who immediately dashed for the safety of the trees. Smokie and Darlin continued to eat.

Smokie found a full pork chop bone and trotted off to cache it. Darlin was right behind her as if to say "you got the bone but I'm gonna see where you bury it." Smokie darted behind a hay roll and Darlin played hide and seek with her; went to one end of the hay roll, saw nothing, went to the other end, saw nothing, finally circled the roll and Smokie dashed out and up the hill. The two of them zig zagged over the field around hay rolls. Smokie was trying so hard to get away, he finally jumped up on the sitting rock, saw which direction Darlin was coming from, ran into the hedge row, and apparently lost her. Darlin got up on the sitting rock, couldn't see Smokie so returned to the feeding area. Minutes later Smokie trotted down the reopened lane and joined Darlin at the top of the hill.

A head poked out and it was the other kit. I got some more video of it. While I was trying to get the three of them in one shot, Mottle dashed up the reopened lane. A full house tonight!

Aug 3

Whoopee!. My new (well, used but reconditioned and freshly painted and new to me) golf cart arrived today. Had lots of fun tootling around in my formerly white now forest green Yamaha. I decided to do the "fox hunt" in the golf cart as it has much better visibility for videoing. I pulled on a windbreaker over my tank top, grabbed a box of Corn Pops cereal, some left over french fries from dinner, the camera and took off. At the second rise behind the house where the reopened lane splits from the road between the spruce trees to the top of the hill I was amazed to see Smokie and Darlin waiting for me. It's as if they weren't sure which direction the food would go and they wanted to be on the scene. I started talking to them and calling kit kit as soon as I got within 40 feet. I suddendly noticed the other pup in the grass under the trees. This one shall be definitely named Dufus! Smokie bolted to the safety of the tall grass first, and then about 10 feet away Darlin moved from the road. I was throwing Corn Pops like rice at a wedding. I stopped at the hill top to leave more goodies and Darlin came right up to me. Smokie held back about 25 feet and Dufus I never saw again, tho during the feeding time both Smokie and Darlin kept looking down the road and going to the alert.

I drove the cart beyond the hill top, turned around so I could face it, and parked about 15 feet away. I immediatley realized the stupidity of my attire. Mosquitos were leeching to my bare legs, flying up under my skirt, snacking on my hands and dive bombing my face. Fortunately my mosquito hood was in the pocket of the windbreaker, but why I didn't think to put my full mosquito suit (jacket and trousers) on is beyond me. I videod very little as I needed my hands to wave the buzzing pests away. I proceeded from hand waving to jumping up and down in the golf cart. Smokie started when I first commenced my dance, but Darlin just stared. Probably too astonished to move. After 30 minutes I couldn't take it. Darlin had disappeared into the trees and Smokie was grooming himself and settling down for a nap. I started up the golf cart and headed for home and an entire tube of "After Bite".

Aug 4

Tom and I took separate cars to a family dinner party so I could come back to feed the foxes. Took the green Toyota up the hill tonight for some mosquito protection. By the time I was out of the car Darlin was dancing at my feet. Threw her some bread which kept her happy. Smokie stayed about 25 feet down the lane. I gave Darlin the last pork chop bone which thrilled, but confused her. She kept looking at Smokie. Smokie wouldn't come closer with the car there. Finally Darlin took off for the trees and I moved the car. Smokie came to "the table" seemingly to have forgotten the pork chop bone. He kept looking down the lane. Was uneasy - not with me nor the car, but whatever was down the lane. After 20 minutes of getting every morsel, he took off. As it was early I waited to see if Mottle would show. Suddenly, from behind me and crossing right in front of the car was Smokie. Some how he had circled around me. Must have come up the reopened lane while I was focused on the trees. It's very frustrating not to have video of Mottle. Either I didn't have the camera or it wasn't working or I was videoing the other foxes.

Aug 5

A friend is visiting from Washington DC. She went along on the fox hunt tonight. Darlin showed up promptly, came to within 18" of me, and ate boiled carrots for the first time. She very nicely balanced her meal with some bread, some potato, some carrots, and finished off with bits of dog biscuit in place of a tooth brush. She spent a fair amount of time playing with what I can only assume was a mouse. Some pretty pouncing, arcing sideways, and lots of ear pricking forward. She reminded me of the neighbor's cat with a mouse; more of a toy than a food source. Was anxious to get back to the house so didn't hang around to see if any others showed up.

Aug 6

Friends here for dinner tonight; hamburgers, etc. We all loaded into the Toyota (the children riding on the tail gate) to feed the foxes. Darlin was waiting at the top of the hill, bless her heart. (And yes, she IS a she.) I stopped the car about 30 feet away and walked the rest of the way so she wouldn't be put off by strangers. She was ready to take food (left over hamburger, yellow beans and cooked carrots) from my fingers. I resisted the temptation, but did let her get right up to my feet. We had a lovely 15 minute encounter and I broke it off to drive back to the house to serve dessert.

After our guests left Tom drove up the hill in the golf cart with the battery operated big search light. He came back to tell me there were two foxes in the field just behind the house; one sitting on top of a hay roll and and standing next to it. We raced back up in the Toyota and by this time they had disappeared. Went to Sunset Ridge and there was Mottle in the hedgerow behind the hutka. I had the bright car lights on and Tom kept the search light on her. I had taken a hamburger bun with me and kept calling her to come and get a treat. She took about 6 paces toward me and stopped. She saw me throw food in the headlights. The battery was going on the search light so Tom turned it off. Mottle then turned around and trotted the other way.

Coming down by the sitting rock we saw a pup at the by the spruce trees. I called to it and it ran to the reopened lane. Tom followed it with the search light. I *think* it could have been Dufus, but am not sure. If it had been Darlin she would have come to the car sound at least - or so I presume. Anyway - what a nice bedtime treat for us and our house guest.

Aug 7

Harriet and I drove up in the golf cart. Darlin came running out of the spruce trees as soon as we rounded the curve. I threw some Corn Pops to her and she ran along next to the cart eating them as we went along. At the hill top I turned around so Harriet could watch, took the dish of treats (meat loaf, mashed potatoes, apple salad) to the feeding site. Darlin would come within 6" of me. Don't think she will want to be hand fed; seems to prefer food dropped on the ground. Suddenly Darlin went on the alert and quickly turned and zig zagged all along the edge of the field. We waited for about 5 minutes and Smokie came out at the bottom of the spruce trees and trotted up the lane, with Darlin right behind her. Smokie was moving on three legs with his left rear foot held high. He ate just fine, but never once put that foot down. It was terribly, terribly swollen. Nearly three times the size of a normal paw. Got lots and lots of video (ah, the convenience of the golf cart) of the wounded member. Asked Smokie if he wanted to jump in the golf cart and ride down to see Tom. He never answered.

Upon returning home, Tom reviewed the video and says that it looks like a severe abcess. Nature may eventually take care of it and break and heal if it was a wound; however, if a thorn is causing the situation it may not heal until the thorn is out. When I was videoing I offered to play Androcleas to Smokie's Lion but again, no response. This is THE FIRST time we have ever had a wounded fox. What a rose colored cloud we've lived in, eh? (Eh = Canada speak)

We went back out late at night with the search light and the golf cart. Found "shiny eyes" atop a hay roll, "shiny eyes" running toward us for treats (bread bits), and "shiny eyes" just sitting and watching us. Toward midnight Tom and a neighbor went to Sunset Ridge in the golf cart to have a bottle of beer and allow Tom to show off his search light. They saw Smokie limping around trying to catch bugs, mice, or whatever.

Aug 8

Left food at the hill top, covered it with grass, and Tom, Harriet and I went to Ch'town to see Anne of Green Gables - The Musical. Left a little extra food in case Smokie is not able to hunt.

Aug 9

Scott MacDonald and his fiance for dinner. Did the tour of the woods and Scott pointed out where coyotes had been scratching at the banks of the road. He also pointed out falcons, eagles, osprey, merlins, and other birds in our woods. Will I ever learn it all? All signs definitely point to a den of coyote cubs back there. Coming out the biggest, fatest raccoon ran from the road and crashed through the brush. It made as much noise as a bear must. Scott pointed out fox tracks at the brook; he said this fox has a very uneven gait. I asked if it looked like it was going on three legs and he replied it certainly did. So we know Smokie got as far as the brook within the last 24 hours.

Darlin thoroughly enjoyed steak and yellow beans tonight. She tried a piece of broccoli, chewed once, opened her mouth and let the green veggie fall to the ground. I have NEVER had a fox like broccoli. Smokie came and ate plenty. Doesn't mind me being close. His foot is still terribly swollen, but she's not carrying it as high and several times actually touched the ground with it. I'm hoping this means its getting better. Suddenly the two of them went on the alert and tore off. Neither came back.

After dark, Tom and Scott went looking for "shiny eyes". They didn't see any foxes but did come across a young juvenile coyote just adjacent to my hutka. They chased it all the way to the back field. Scott says the juvie coyote males are dispersing now and if we keep giving chase to them it will discourage them from taking up residence here. I figure this is why the foxes went on the alert at meal time tonight.

Aug 10

Harriet and I took a tour of the woods this morning in the golf cart. As we wer4e coming up the hill between the trees, Darlin came running out. Fortunately I've learned never to go anywhere empty handed and we spent about 10 minutes feeding her a piece of bread. She even followed along behind the golf cart for a few yards.

Harriet returns to Washington tomorrow and I return to Chicago. We took a "farewell" trip to feed the foxes tonight. Darlin came right up to the golf cart as usual. Smokie came limping out and was more comfortable with us close by than I had ever seen him. He came to within 3 feet of us. His foot is still terribly swollen; doesn't seem to have improved at all. Just once he put a little bit of weight on it and one could see it was painful and not something to be repeated. Dufus came out again and watched from afar before disappearing into the trees. I am sure Dufus is male because his pose is so masculine. It's almost (forgive me gentlemen) arrogant! He likes to pose with his front feet on terrain that's a little bit higher than his rear feet so it's a nice stretch. Darlin quickly ran into the trees to play or whatever. Smokie spent some more time with us and finally went to the trees when I started the golf cart to come home. No sign of Mottle and I still don't have any video of her. Good video, however, of the other three.

Aug 11

Tom reports that Smokie's foot is still swollen. Darlin ran up to the golf cart as soon as it rounded the corner he said. Foxes (both human and animal) have always had a weakness for a good looking man in a sports car. :)

Aug 12

Heavy downpour so Tom didn't stay. Darlin was waiting and seemed confused that Tom minded the rain as she didn't. No sign of Smokie.

Aug 13

Tom late returning from dinner engagement. Darlin was waiting at the hill top where he left some food and followed him to the sitting rock where he left more. As Tom was turning around at the sitting rock he noticed a fox at the hill top. This fox was lighter than Smokie and ran into the trees as soon as the car got close. It could have been Mottle.

Aug 16

Tom's report.

Tim and I took the cart and went up the hill. Left food and the berm and sitting rock and went on to the hutka to turn around.Still no foxes so we didn't linger as the mosquitoes were starting to find us. Oh; earlier when we came back from eating as I was getting out of the car I saw something moving and the end of the new neighbour's lane and it was a red fox with a white tip on the tail just streaking from the road up the lane. I presumed it has just crossed the road and that it was Darlin but no sign of her when we were leaving food at the berm fifteen minutes later.

I watered the flowers (five to ten minutes) and went back up in the Toyota. Food was all gone on the berm and Darlin was racing down from the sitting rock. I left a little more food and drove on to find Smokey darting down the new lane. By the time I got turned around she was over in the field above the berm trotting toward it, still carrying his leg. When I got a good look at her though the paw did not look nearly so swollen and she was using it when he walked slow. I got a little video for the record that may show the leg a little clearer. The mosquitoes were wicked so I did not linger.

Aug 18

Tom's email. Two foxes tonight and I have no idea who the second one was as I could not get close enough. From the sitting rock it looked exactly like darlin and was in competition with her for the food. Every time I leaned out the window or opened the car door she would jump and head for the trees. We had a wonderful dinner at Joan's and again were late getting back but it was lighter than last night. Anyway Darlin is being well fed and I hope I am not spoiling her.

Aug 19

Tom's email. Tim and I went to the blue Goose for dinner after six to be back for the foxes once for a change. I took the golf cart but no one was anywhere. Left food at the berm and sitting rock - still no appearances so on to the hutga and left a little there. Back to the sitting rock and waited for about 15 mins before coming home. I checked with Tim, changed to the Toyota and drove back up to arrive the same time as Darlin. I had really scattered the food all over the place and knew it would take her awhile to clean up so went for a drive back past the log den and met Darlin arriving at the sitting rock. By this time she was ignoring the bread and searching for the scraps of steak when she went on alert with a look toward the lane and took off like a streak for the berm. She stopped there, went on the point and then took off for the lane and Smokie. Great tail windmill greeting then back to the sitting rock where I was to hunt for more steak.

Smokie went to the berm where there was still a lot of bread and I coasted down and took quite a bit of video which you can look at tomorrow night.

All the swelling seems to be gone but he still carries the leg when she is running.

Aug 20

Steak and sweet corn for dinner. Took the bones and fat trimmings as well as some bread up the hill in the golf cart. Darlin came running out and followed the cart along. Nothing has changed - she didn't forget me NOR THE SMELL OF STEAK. She came right up to me and will sit and 'beg' with a cocked head and then pounce on a piece that I toss. Smokie came out and Darlin went running up and sat next to him and leaned against him. It would have made an adorable picture but I had steak bones in my hands instead of the camera. Smokie is speeding along on three legs quite nicely. Doesn't seem to restrict him in any way. When he stops, or turns, he will put the foot down to balance but does not put any weight on it while running. Still carries it up. I cut across the field and came down along the top of the spruce trees and Darlin came running up to the golf cart. I thought she was going to jump on and ride. It looked as if she was thinking about it too. It's good to be back.

Aug 21

What an encounter tonight. Darlin dashed out of the trees at the bottom of the spruce trees and ran along side the golf cart to the top of the hill. I threw out a couple pieces of steak (freezer burned, thawed, and refrozen and no good for people) as we moved along side by side. At the top of the hill I tossed out a handfull of Corn Pops cereal and went immediately to the sitting rock. Left a hand full of bread there. Darlin refuses to eat bread any more now that she's had a taste of stead. When I turned around to come back to the top of the hill, Smokie had joined Darlin. I stopped about 40 feet away and while Smokie was cautious, she didn't leave. I tossed some steak, but Darlin got it all. Smokie came over to see what Darlin's excitement was but got hip slammed for her curiosity. I tossed more meat and Smokie actually got some this time. By the time 10 minutes had passed, Darlin had her head inside the golf cart looking for more and Smokie was as close as the right front wheel; she had lost all fear by this time. Smokie trotted on up to the sitting rock and ate some bread. I could see her trotting off over the rise (toward the hutka) and out of sight. Meanwhile Darlin kept scratching in the grass and sniffing around and would occasionally find another piece of meat. (Tom cut them up so small - the biggest about the side of a pencil eraser.) Suddenly Smokie went on the alert and was looking past me. I turned and Smokie came running over the hill. Darlin ran up, did the kissy kiss, and her tail was going like a rotor.

Smokie is usually all four feet when she walks and she is putting weight on it a good deal. However when she runs fast, she continues to hold it up. This is amazing progress however.

The two then settled down in front of me (25 feet away at the most) and proceeded to groom themselves, stretch out, and listen to me natter away. I know they must understand some of it (like the words "you're so pretty" and "how clever you are" etc.) Finally Smokie went on the alert, her tail 'rotored' or 'windmilled' and she went into the trees. Darlin looked but decided to come up to the golf cart to cadge another treat. I gave her a piece of bread which she pounced on right away and then opened her mouth to let it fall out when she realized what it was. I had a dog biscuit in my jacket pocket which pleased her immensely. She started to follow me down the hill, but a bark drew her into the spruce trees.

Aug 22

Stale old bacon for fox treat tonight. Darlin goes crazy trying to get all the pieces from the grass before Smokie does. (Pieces are cut into the size of a house fly) Smokie doesn't even try and contents herself with eating the bread. Smokie went on to the sitting rock (bread only) and left Darlin with me. I had run out of bacon so resorted to Milk Bone dog biscuits. I use the tiny ones and break them into small pieces. Darlin throws her head back and chews loudly with crumbs dropping out of the side of her mouth. MOST unladylike. Smokie came back from the sitting rock and Darlin ran to her and kissy kissed with her tail in rotor motion. She bowed twice and then ran back to look for more bacon bits. She picked up several pieces of Milk Bone and went about 10 feet over to cache it. She made two digging passes with her paws, dropped the biscuit, make one nose push and ran back to see what else was available. I had one piece of steak left from previous nights and tossed it to Smokie. She picked it up and trotted on all four legs to the middle of the 'triangle' and did a very thorough job of caching it. Darlin watched the whole process. Smokie came back for some Milk Bone treats and Darlin leaped in arcing motions over to Smokie's cache, dug it up, and enjoyed the steak. I 'think' I saw Dufus under the trees, but won't swear to it.

Aug 23

Greg and Louise here to play bridge so made a fast trip tonight in the Toyota. Both Smokie and Darlin showed up. Smokie won't get as close to the Toyota as she will the golf cart (smart girl) but does let me walk up fairly close. Darlin will come right up to might when I'm on foot. Forgot to mention that they must feel at home as fresh scat was left at the top of the hill and at the sitting rock last week.

Aug 24

Tom and I took a drive in the woods yesterday morning. At the end of the Osprey road (by the cross road to the Circle Road) we found a huge pile of feathers. Big feathers; white with horizontal black/grey stripes. It was obviouslly a kill site but no remains (other than feathers) were left. Showed them to Greg last night who thought they were either eagle or osprey. Anyone know for sure?

Smokie, using all four feet very naturally, and Darlin appeared right on schedule tonight. In fact, Darlin was waiting at the bottom of the spruce trees. Steak and bread tonight. Darlin actually ate a piece of bread. Of course, it had been carried in the steak bowl so had soaked up a little of its aroma. More fresh scat at both hill top and sitting rock. Ahhhh - home!

Aug 25

Darlin was full of the old Nick tonight. She was waiting for the evening treat at the bottom of the spruce trees. I was afraid she was going to jump on the cart she ran at me so fast. She jumped, turned in the air, and leaped like Nijinski to the top of the hill. Every piece of bread, milk bone or steak had to be pounced upon and "killed". I left a good sampling and drove to the sitting rock to leave treats. By the time I turned around and came back Smokie was out. Smokie has no fear of the golf cart but is still very cautious of the car - which is good. Darlin ran to the sitting rock and I had my back to it concentrating upon Smokie and seeing how well she was moving now that she was using all four feet. I heard a thundering gallop behind me and thought surely it must be Zoro, but it was only Darlin coming back from the sitting rock. How can one fox make so much noise? An actual boomp da-de boomp as she ran along the lane. She greeted Smokie as if it had been years since they met. I was very stingy with the meat treats tonight, but did ensure Smokie got a fair share. One piece fell between them and Smokie got it; Darlin went into a hissy fit and snarled and went for Smokie's throat. Smokie dropped the meat, Darlin got it, draped her tail over Smokie's back, and Smokie just stood there with her head cocked, placidly watching Darlin eat the tiny piece of meat. When over, Darlin did kissy kiss and tail rotor to show the throat lunge was not serious. I don't think Smokie cares. Smokie trotted up to the sitting rock and cleaned up what was left and then just sat upon it for another 10 minutes and watched Darlin and me interact at the hill top. The mosquitos drove me away.

Aug 26

Nothing like feeling at home. Fresh scat all over the place. Nothing out of the usual tonight except Smokie finally decided she wanted a piece of ham and snapped at Darlin - who immediately prostrated herself with her rotor tail going.

Aug 27

Jeff and Howard from New York with me tonight. Steak bones and Corn Pops for treat. Took the Toyota tonight. Darlin doesn't care but Smokie quite cautious of automobile and of strangers. We watched them eat, kissy kiss, cache, etc. Then they both moved to the triangle and groomed themselves and rested. Darlin amused herself by pouncing upon, killing, and eating grasshoppers. It quite thrilled our guests to see "the pounce". Mottle came out of the trees twice, but even though the car was some distance away, she heard the camera and melted back into the trees before I could video. So I STILL have no video of Mottle, but it's nice to know she is still around.

Aug 28

Had to feed 1/2 earlier in order to meet Howard and Jeff for dinner and then make curtain time at the theatre. Had dry cat food that I was just going to sprinkle around and leave. Didn't think the birds would see it in the grass. Darlin was waiting at the bottom of the spruce trees and came running half way down the hill to greet the golf cart. She ran along side, leaping and turning, crossing in front to run on the other side, darting in and out of trees, to show me the way to the feeding area. Left lots of cat food and continued on to the sitting rock. As usual, Smokie came out at the hill top as soon as I went on to the rock. By the time I turned around to come back, Smokie was comfortable with the cart. I tossed bread and another handfull of cat food and then came back. Smokie came to the middle of the lane to watch me leave, and Darlin followed me almost to the house. It's as if they were saying "You're leaving already? - Was it something we said?".

Aug 29

Peripheral effects of Hurricane Bonnie; nothing serious but windy and rainy. There was a break in the rain right around feeding time so wiped off the seat in the golf cart and made my way up. Steak (again!), fried potatoes and apple cores and bits not used for today's apple pie as well as the heel from fresh bread. No one greeted me on the way up. Got to the hill top and called and both Darlin and Smokie came running. Left apple, potatoes and bread and was delighted to see Darlin eating the bread with relish. I now know the secret; only fresh bread is good enough for Darlin. Went on to the sitting rock and left steak and apple. Coming back to the hill top Smokie let me drive up closer than ever before. She usually retreats to the trees and then slowly comes out. She stayed right out there tonight. I had fun for a good 15 minutes throwing steak bits to them. Darlin jumped right over Smokie's back to get a piece. (Reminds me of a Puli sheep dog herding sheep and running on their backs.) I think they finally got the connection between "kit kit" and a steak toss to them. At least for tonight. Suddenly it started to pour. I threw out a handfull of steak and drove down as fast as the 12 mph governor on the golf cart would go. Since it was downhill I probably hit speeds of 13 or 14 mph. Absolutely drenched by the time I got inside. When, of course, it immediately stopped raining.

Aug 30

I could see Darlin waiting at the fork where the reopened lane splits from the road between the spruce trees. As soon as the gof cart started up the hill from the back yard she ran down to meet it, and then raced it up the hill. I can see she loves running. Reminds me of Pepper as a pup who would run for the sheer joy of running. Darlin ate her fill and then went up to the sitting rock. It was only then that Smokie came out. Fortunately I had put very little food out for Darlin's pigout so could replenish the site for Smokie. Darlin came running down from the sitting rock, dashed under the trees and all I could see was her rotor tail making circles; just as if it were a crank and someone was winding it. When Darlin came out, Mottle ran across the lane from the trees, so that must have been who Darlin was greeting. Smokie was oblivous to the whole thing. Once again I didn't have the camera ready so have no video nor photo of Mottle. It would appear Smokie feels Darlin is no longer a baby and can be treated as an adult. Darlin invaded Smokie's space and was thoroughly snapped at - several times - for her trouble. Got some great video of Darlin scrubbing along on her belly in abject submission and obeisance.

Aug 31

All as usual. Both Darlin and Smokie showed up.

Sep 1

My sister-in-law, Joan, went with me tonight to feed left over spare ribs, rib bones, corn pared from the cob especially for them, baked beans, and apple cores and pieces. (Guess what we had for dinner tonight.) Smokie was a little leary of Joan, but got friendly after a few minutes. Darlin enjoyed all the food, but really was in bliss when I gave her dessert - her special treat of a Milk Bone. Her head is thrown back, ears flattened to the side, eyes closed . . . a perfect picture of bliss. Smokie likes Milk Bone but doesn't go into the same ecstasy that Darlin does. it was fun to watch Darlin play with the long coil of apple peel. Tossing it, chewing one end towards the middle, and finally figuring out if she puts her foot on one end it will break off into manageable pieces.

Sep 2

Bread that didn't rise enough and cat food on the menu tonight. Darlin actually enjoyed the bread. Smokie is getting braver. Darlin is now bigger than Smokie and looks hilarious when she is "kittenish". Darlin came up to within 3 feet of me, sat on her haunches with front legs wide, and I'm sure the dark spot low on her belly with a tuft of hair hanging from it could be a penis. When explaining this to Tom he said "It could be . . . or it could be her 'belly button' . . . who knows." Well, I WANT to know. I can't see testicles but they would be close to the body anyway. She squats to urinate but then a pup this age would anyway, no matter the sex. I keep asking her and she won't tell me. Smokie won't tell. As if this isn't enough to drive me crazy, there was a fox watching from under the trees the entire time tonight. I can only assume it was Mottle. Of course I didn't have the camera with me. This is getting eerie. If I have the camera and video Mottle, the camera doesn't work or the tape comes out blank with only my voice heard; audio but no video. If I don't have the camera on she'll run across the lane or show herself. I should have named her Garbo.

Sep 3, 4

Nothing unusual either night. Darlin is a shameless begger. And to think I have done this to her (him?). Will sit with cocked head, ears at the alert, fixing me with a pitiful gaze, ready to jump for a tidbit. Smokie, while not attractive with her chiuaua (how DO you spell it?) head, seems to prefer the Princess Di look. Her head is held low and she looks up at you with her shy eyes. I keep telling Smokie she is getting round shouldered and to snap out of it. Darlin is too busy hustling to even think about decorum.

Sep 5

Late getting up due to family dinner. Both Smokie and Darlin were tapping their foot and looking at their watches as I came up the lane. Darlin couldn't wait to race the golf cart. An unfair race to say the least; Yamaha's 12 mph vs fox's 35 mph. They enjoyed stale cinnamon bun, carrots, dry cat food and a few pieces of steak. Smokie verrrry brave tonight. Came up to the golf cart. When I'm alone they seem to have absolutely no fear. Even when I drove off to come home (it was raining) Smokie didn't dash into the trees. Darlin was enjoying the cat food (head thrown back in enjoyment but not to the degree of bliss that Milk Bone brings) and I saw her run across the lane. I thought 'how can this be when she's in front of me'? Then I realized it must have been Dufus. Just a quick flash and that's all I saw.

Sep 6

The muggy weather has brought the mosquitos out again so I didn't tarry. Both Smokie and Darlin were ready and waiting. All was as usual. It is also mushroom / fungus time here and a myriad of varieties are popping up all over the farm. Some look like a golf ball on a tee, others look like a baseball, some are ridges along a log, and some look like umbrellas. It just amazes me that the foxes know which to eat and which to leave alone. There is a cluster of mushrooms on the road between the spruce trees leading to the top of the hill. These are well eaten, teeth marks showing, and some nibbled all the way to the center on one side. It brings to mind the children putting a 'butter cookie' on their finger and eating all around it. Other fungi are on the reopened lane and have been totally left alone. Granted, the adults teach the young . . . but who taught the first one?

Sep 7

The yellow beans in the garden made one last effort, which were picked and cooked for dinner tonight. A distraction caused the beans to boil dry and become fairly blackened (read burned.) So, the bulk of tonight's treat was beans. At first they sniffed and didn't want to eat any but I told Darlin and Smokie this was gourmet cajun cooking - which, of course, made all the difference. I gave them some chicken bones which they thoroughly enjoyed. And the rest of an apple pie that had been sitting in the fridge for 5 days and no one wanted to finish off. It was absolutely adorable when Smokie grabbed the end of a bean at the same time Darlin had grabbed the other end. Once again . . . a great Kodak moment missed. Smokie gave way to Darlin and let her have the whole bean.

Sep 8

Rain coming down as it must have during the Great Flood. Darlin waiting at the bottom of the spruce trees and came running toward the Toyota as it groaned its way up the hill. Her fur was dark so must have been wet through. Tossed her chicken bones, dry cat food, and bread. No sign of Smokie - who is obviously smarter than either Darlin or me.

Sep 9

A wonderful night with Darlin, Dufus and Smokie. I took lots and lots of video. Am afraid to watch it for fear the camera didn't work and I might have missed it. Dufus came out and joined Smokie and Darlin at the top of the hill while I was leaving tid bits at the sitting rock. I sat there and watched them for a while. I was upwind so evidently Dufus felt safe. As soon as I started the golf cart and got close, Dufus took off for the trees. After spending some time with Smokie and Darlin Cheryl (my neighbor who went with me) and I started for home. Reaching the fork where the reopened lane connects I decided to go up one more time. I went into the middle of the field where I could watch both the sitting rock and the top of the hill. After spending much time at the edge of the trees, Dufus finally came and joined the others. Darlin did a wonderful pounce; think she might have caught a grasshopper. Dufus and Smokie came running up to the sitting rock and cleaned up all that had been left on it. They sat and stared at me for awhile and then sprinted back to the top of the hill. Just larking around and running. Darlin joined in playing something like 'ring around the rosey'. Dufus started running up the hill in the middle of the field and came to a skidding halt when he spied us. Took off in the other direction. Finally Smokie got bored as no more food was forthcoming. Darlin waited it out and when we started back to the house, she did her begging bit. Got a milk bone for her trouble . . . and Smokie came out for one too. No sign of Dufus again.

Sep 10

Took an afternoon tour through the woods. The mushrooms (fungi of some kind) on the lane between the spruce trees are nothing but stems. All the tops have been eaten. Driving down the Osprey road I noticed fresh coyote scat just past where the Upper Spring Road leaves it. It was nicely place on a tuft of grass in the middle of the road. Further along, just opposite the Goshawk nest a dead mouse was in the road. On its back with its legs in the air - well, actually, half-way between being on its back and on its side. Saw no signs of mortal combat, though its head was thrown back.

Steak and hamburger bun for treat tonight. (Sure wish the steaks were fit for human consumption.) I was amazed that Darlin wasn't waiting for me. Left food at the top of the hill and went on to the sitting rock. Turning around I could see Smokie at the hill top. I brought the golf cart up to within 5 feet of her; she seemed a little cautious initially, but soon forgot fear in her haste to eat everything in sight. We spent about 10 minutes talking with me tossing steak pieces. She forgot herself and came up to the golf cart. I kept asking where Darlin was but she wouldn't tell me. Suddenly a fox came streaking along the spruce trees at bottom of the field at the top of the hill and skidded to a stop in front of me. If it hadn't rained today, it would have raised dust I'm sure. She was frantic that Smokie had got it all and ran in circles. I started tossing steak bits and she was leaping for them. Never caught one mid air, but came darn close. Smokie looked so pathetic that I tossed her some milk bone. Darlin went frantic as she loves milk bone beyond all treasures. Gave her one too and she nearly shuddered with delight. Smokie came close and got some more steak. At least she chews it and seems to enjoy it. Darlin gulps it down without tasting. Forget chewing each piece 100 times. She decided to leave some scat right in the middle of the lane; talk about marking both feeding areas - one on each side. I threw out a hand full of dry cat food and came home.

Sep 11

Darlin was not about to be late to dinner tonight. As soon as she saw me leave the house she came running down and met me half way between the garden and where the reopened lane cuts off. She chased the golf cart up to the hill top. The "B" litter loved Crispex cereal so I bought a box for 'the girls' and gave some to them last night. Smokie came out when I was at the sitting rock. She no longer darts away when the cart returns. They enjoyed the Crispex but it didn't send them into ecstasy. I threw out some chicken drumsticks, which Darlin ran around and collected. Her mouth will filled with them as she went to the little mound on the right, sat down, and ate them one by one. Suddenly Smokie coughed and pawed at her mouth. My first thought was "oh no - she got a bone caught in her throat." But then I realized no bones had been in that area, and if I was counting correctly, Darlin had them all. She sat on her hind legs (like a squirrel) and put both front paws in her mouth. It almost looked as if the paw turned at the joint in a wrist-like action. She did this a couple of times. I quickly tossed her a piece of Milk Bone which she ate with no problem. Then a piece of bread; again, no problem. Whatever had choked her was taken care of. I suppose the Crispex is exactly the right size to get caught or stuck in the roof of her mouth and she either knocked it loose or her saliva eventually loosened it. All was well as I left.

Sep 12

Quick trip tonight. Both Smokie and Darlin were waiting and very grateful for the pork fat trimmings from Cheryl next door. That along with a hamburger bun and a Milk Bone each made up tonight's dinner. Am in the process of transferring the video 8 to VHS so didn't stay long. Don't know if anyone else came to dine after I left. Darlin really looked hurt as I drove away. (Used the Toyota tonight because it rained today and I was worried about mosquitos. Of course, none were out just because I was prepared.)

Sep 13

Darlin ran to greet the golf cart. (Did I ever mention the golf cart's name was Eunice?) I tried to video her running up but I ran off the road twice and into the field so decided to concentrate on steering. Left sweet corn that was too ripe so I cooked it up and cut it from the cob for the foxes (not too spoiled) and some more pork fat plus Crispex. Smokie came out to enjoy the corn and port fat. Sorry to say they didn't eat the Crispex. Darlin took one and then opened her mouth and let it fall out. I had my mosquito suit and hood on so drove up into the elevated portion of the middle of the field to watch them play. And play they did. First there was a King of the Hill game with Smokie on the sitting rock and Darlin not being able to dislodge her, then tag (which I didn't get because mosquitos the size of buzzards were chewing my fingers), then hide and seek. After a couple of "I spy's" Smokie hid and Darlin didn't go looking for her, but went into the middle of the triangle and 'went crazy' again. This is the second time she has done that in the exact spot. I can't keep up with her and the camera. She jumps, runs in circles, chases her tail, and races off. A bee sting maybe? She then came running up to the middle of the field where Eunice was parked. She begged a little so I gave her a piece of Milk Bone. Suddenly she pounced and chewed her catch. Must have been a grasshopper or a cricket. She did this three more times, evidently preferring it to Crispex. Smokie finally got tired of 'hiding' so came out into the lane and watched us. She casually trotted down the lane to the top of the hill and resigned herself to eating Crispex. I was in danger of being carried away by the skeeters (not usually around at this time of year - has to be the extra damp weather) so started Eunice up to head for home. I bumped over the ruts in the field, got onto the lane and Dufus showed up. I reached for the camera and in doing so my foot pressed on the accelerator driving us up to the dizzing speed of 4 or 5 miles per hour. The noise frightened Dufus into the trees. It did, however, bring Darlin back to the hill top and she and Smokie stared into the trees where Dufus ran. I came on home - couldn't take it any longer even with the chance to video Dufus.

Sep 14

Since my neighbor Cheryl met the foxes she has been sending over lots of goodies for them. Tonight it was a raisin bagel and some pork. Smokie is very brave when its just me and "Eunice". All went as usual tonight except Dufus stuck his head out and I was downwind so he didn't realize anyone was there. He started to trot out and I turned the video camera on. It makes a sound, the wind must have changed because he heard it, jumped, ran, never to return. After the usual chit chat with 'the girls' I went up the hill and into the middle of the field to see if Dufus would come out. (He didn't) Smokie ran to the sitting rock, went past it, and sat down. Darlin came romping up and cleaned every morsel from it. It was then that Smokie decided to see if there were any left overs. Smokie wanted to play but Darlin was more interested in hunting whatever. Lots of pretty pounces and two chews of whatever she caught. I was in my mosquito outfit and they started to buzz around my head. I put the black net hood on and Darlin jumped away. I realized I had been motionless and the movement scared her. As soon as I started to talk she came right over and started hunting around the cart. Now I know foxes see shapes and movement and not detail - but as I came down the hill Smokie was loping in front of me. She turned around, saw me in my hood and stopped and stared like I was a three legged unicorn. I left some more bagel in case Dufus came out. As I was on my way home, Smokie was sitting in the middle of the field just above the garden; just sitting and staring at the water. I watched her for a good 5 - 6 minutes and she never moved. I guess this is her meditation time.

Sep 16

I was alarmed as I started up the hill and no one was waiting at the bottom of the spruce trees; however, as I rounded the curve, Darlin was at the hill top and Smokie was underneath the branches of the trees. Darlin came rompin to meet the 'welcome wagon' and Smokie stayed, cautious as ever, where she was. As soon as I had dropped of their treats and headed for the sitting rock, Smokie came out as usual. Coming back from the sitting rock I spent about 20 minutes talking to them, tossing meat loaf pieces and some steak. Smokie comes right up to Eunice now - but only after I've passed through and gone to the rock first. I tossed a hand full of dry cat food in the grass to keep them busy and turned around and drove to the hill in the middle of the field. Sure enough, Dufus came out. There was very little left, but he scratched and scrabbled and found enough bits to keep him happy for about 15 minutes. Darlin, bless her heart, ran up the hill and sat next to the golf cart. I felt like a [wo]man and his dog. We both watched Dufus and Smokie, viewed the setting sun, and had a companionable silence. She finally inched closer to the cart so I tossed her a milk bone piece. I nattered on about how she was to be good this winter, don't take candy from strangers, do cross the road, etc., etc. We sat in silence some more watching Smokie leave for parts unknown from the sitting rock and Dufus go back under the trees from the hill top. I started the golf cart and Darlin accompanied me half way home at a lope. For the first time I felt real fear that she may be too comfortable with humans. I hope it's just Tom or me; only time will tell. This is also the first time I have felt real affection coming from the fox since Pepper. Perhaps I'm fooling myself.

Sep 17

Tom went with me tonight which made Darlin a little nervous. She would come up to get a bite but then back off to eat it. It didn't seem to make any difference to Smokie. Dufus came out and was on the way to the top of the hill to eat when he stopped, looked, and ran up into the field. Later, when Tom and I took Eunice up into the field we could see Dufus hunting at the far edge. The big news is Tom confirms what I have suspected ever since I transferred the video tape. Smokie is a male!!!! Tom chided me on how I could miss it. I just never expected a year old male to hang around like this. Why a male baby sitter? Is he the father? Don't think so as he was obviously a yearling. Tho, that shouldn't matter. Why is Dufus still hanging around and not dispersing? What is it I am not understanding. I've just gone thru my Journal and changed all my posts referring to Smokie as "her".

Sep 18

Cheryl and Donnie for dinner. Made quick trip. Smokie, Darlin and Dufus in the distance.

Sep 19

Marian, Kathryn and Tom for dinner. Fast trip. Smokie and Darlin - no Dufus.

Sep 20

Tour of the woods in the morning. Fox scat at the cross roads between Osprey road and Clear cut road.

Darlin was dancing down the lane waiting for the golf cart. She was so excited she met it half way between the house and the fork where the reopened lane splits off. She kept dancing in and out of the hedge row and when we got to the bottom of the spruce trees ran from one side of the road to the other. She finally crossed behind Eunice and ran into the spruce trees and disappeared. As I neared the top of the hill she came out of the trees and got to the mound first; I'm not sure what the game was, but she was delighted with it. Left over carrot and raisin salad plus hash that had been in the freezer too long. Both Darlin and Smokie picked the raisins out of the salad, but left the shredded carrot. They loved the hash. After about 15 minutes of talking with them and tossing some dry cat food, I went into the middle of the field up on the hill to watch them and look for Dufus. No sign of Dufus at all. Probably 'on the road' again.

Sep 21

Darlin came down nearly to the house tonight awaiting the golf cart's exit from the back yard. She was delighted when I got close and started to race ahead. I wanted to video 'the game' tonight and she was quite frustrated because I kept stopping the golf cart to video. I finally gave up and she ran back and forth across the road; sometimes in front of me, sometimes behind me, until she disappeared into the trees. As I got to the top of the hill, she burst out of the trees on the left hand side; she usually comes from the right. I swear she was smiling. It was almost "ta da! Fooled ya". Smokie came out as soon as I left for the sitting rock. It's funny - on my return I can drive up to within 3 feet of him and he doesn't mind. It's just the first trip up that he stays under the trees. No sign of anyone else. Told them both to be good and behave for Tom. I am leaving for Chicago tomorrow and won't see them for three whole weeks. Darlin looked as if she was listening but I don't think Smokie cared. Tossed Smokie a chicken back and Darlin lots of chicken bits. Smokie couldn't believe his good fortune. Took it under the trees while Darlin raced around to get all the bits. Darlin was unaware of what Smokie got. She knew something was different, however, because Smokie stayed under the trees for so long. She finally went under the branches too to see what was going on. Smokie growled and Darlin came out into the open with great haste. Said my farewell and left.

Sep 30

Tom got back to the Island this afternoon. He just phone me that he made the trip in Eunice up the hill to feed the foxes. Darlin was waiting for him and so excited to see the catering truck. He could see her waiting at the top of the hill as soon as he left the house. She danced about with excitement. Our neighbor Cherly said that a fox was waiting at the top of the hill every night since Tom's emergency trip back to Chicago last Thursday.