|
|
Fascinating foxes, top cats and
badgers
26.02.16
FOXES are fascinating
to many given their shy and elusive nature as well
as their striking beauty which few of us get to
properly see outside of nature photographs.
Two members of the Wild Inishowen group, talented
wildlife photographers Christine Cassidy and Lindsay
Hodges, have recently been carrying out an informal
study of foxes. They managed to survey the mammals
in separate habitats – both rural and urban – with
some surprising results. Foxes are mainly nocturnal
animals so the chances of seeing them in daylight
can be rare and always makes for a special sight.
Christine’s observations were mainly in rural
settings, with foxes seen in a variety of locations
from coastlines to woodlands.
"They are adaptable, intelligent and resourceful
creatures and sometimes in rural settings can be the
masters of disguise, blending in wonderfully within
the environment," said Christine. She also managed
to photograph them when they sometimes simply
crossed her path and has also identified
woodland-dwelling foxes by use of a night vision
wildlife camera.
Her recent daylight images show how the fox in the
North West is now prepared to travel and hunt in
daytime as hunger dictates and they will eat almost
anything.
"They can move incredibly quickly and once
disturbed, can be gone from sight in the blink of an
eye," she said. |
 |
|
A fox photographed by Wild Inishowen
member Christine Cassidy as part of a recent study
of the native mammal. |
Christine's photographs
capture the presence, grace and beauty of this
wonderful native species.
Meanwhile, Lindsay was surprised to find foxes
coming into her suburban garden in the dead of
night. She picked up their movements as she recorded
badgers that had been leaving their dig marks all
over the grass. Over a period of time, she was able
to identify several different foxes who used the
garden as a crossing point en route to their den in
a more secure setting.
"These foxes were quick to detect the presence of
peanuts left over from daytime bird feeders and
being foragers by nature, were happy to take
advantage of rich pickings," said Lindsay.
"These foxes are extremely vocal at the moment, as
the mating season begins, and the vixen who has been
recently coming to the garden has been calling
constantly, an eerie piercing call that carries far
on the still night air to alert the male," she
added.
|
 |
|
A fox photographed by Wild Inishowen
member Lindsay Hodges as part of a recent study of
the native mammal. |
The two talented
wildlife photographers also note that within a urban
environment, there is a hierarchy amongst animals,
with the domestic cat being top, badger in the
middle and fox at the bottom. Lindsay said she has
witnessed both cats and badgers scare the more wary
foxes off while they remarkably can also co-exist
together.
Christine and Lindsay’s research and images
demonstrate that "foxes are always there around us,
managing to survive sometimes against the odds and
often alongside us, even if we do not always know
they are there!" To view more photos
click here . |
|
