The Fox

I've had a long day on Final Cut Pro today, editing the Northumberland National Park by Night film. An evening visit to Holywell was what I needed, especially on a stunning evening like tonight.

It was still, only a slight breeze, the 2 Swallows at the cut had now become 6, and both Chiff Chaff and Willow Warbler were in song. Little Grebes on the pond had doubled in number, and the Shoveler pair had been joined by an extra female.

Heading down to the fields, I picked up a shape in the distance, at first I thought Hare, but then realised, it was a Fox! Relatively in the open I checked the wind, using the blinding low sun to my advantaged I approach it from the cover of a hedge. It was still some distance away.

Stopping at every gap, and looking, it still hadn't moved, but I could now pick out the shape of its ears in the grass, it was asleep! Basking in the warm glow of the setting sun. Reaching the field boundary I crossed into the next, out of sight, and scent, I quickly made up the ground, before reaching the cover of the wood.

It was still, silent, but thankfully Woodpigeon-less. A minefield of leaves, twigs, and sticks lay ahead. The sun was now behind me, casting my shadow towards the Fox, I had to be careful. Moving gently through, I saw a gap, and headed for it, lying on my belly when I got there. Gradually moving my binoculars up, I immediately realised I was quite close, and it was still asleep. Nose to the ground, it lifted its head and yawned, surveying  the field ahead. It got up with a stretch and moved off slowly, as if it had been lying for a while, not eager to leave the warm glow of the sun and its bed.

Following it right, a second Fox ran across my vision, much closer this time, I lay motionless for a while, but didn't see the second animal again.

Repositioning to higher ground I watched the sleepy Fox head across the field, sniffing as it went, now in hunt mode. It stop momentarily to observe a pair of Curlew, who soon flew off, next a Lapwing which seemed to be toying with it, approaching quite close. The Fox dropped like a Collie and tried to make ground, pouncing at the last second, but too slow for the brave Lapwing.

It reached an area of rough ground, disappearing into the long grass. Holywell never fails.

Holywell

Just back from a wander around Holywell, great to see 10 Common Terns using the island this afternoon. The Short-Eared Owl from Sunday was still about, sitting on one of the posts which surround the main meadow, no sign of the Green Sandpiper.


As I left the gate I caught sight of this Fox amongst the crop, on the tractors tracks, it stood and stared for a few seconds before it was off!

The Sluice

I'm back in the country now, the Switzerland trip was great, we were lucky with the weather and I seen three new lifers, Nutcracker, Crag Martin, and a Middle Spotted Woodpecker (which may be the first recorded at that site).


This morning I had a wander down to the Sluice end of the Dene, on arrival the Burn was deprived of life, the regular Rooks, Jackdaws and Woodpigeon overhead was all about. It wasn't until I reached a large patch of Elder and Hawthorn covered in berries when things began to liven up. 6 Blackbirds, a single Robin, a Dunnock, 2 Blackcap, 4-5 Bullfinch including immature birds, and a steading stream of a large mixed Tit flock, including Coal Tit, Willow Warbler, and Chiff Chaff were all feeding in the area.


On the way back I bumped into this character hunting in the grass.


Double click on images for a better view.

Revision break

Returned from Ardnamurchan on Saturday, a very enjoyable and relaxing two weeks, wildlife was unbelievable, and I even got a tan! Unfortunately the next two weeks aren't going to be as relaxing or enjoyable, a load of uni deadlines, and an Animal Behaviour exam next Tuesday. Although I have managed to get out for a wander a couple of times. The Blue Tits in the camera box are sitting 8 eggs, my sister tells me they have been incubating since last Wednesday and the local Sparrowhawk is also incubating. Down Holywell this evening I was pleased to here reeling Grasshopper Warbler, singing Sedge and Reed Warbler, Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat,  as well as young Canada Geese, Lapwings on the nest, the Kestrels back in their usual haunt and more importantly the Dipper on eggs! Hopefully they will be successful in raising a family this year.

Also bumped into this character