We have a fox's den at the bottom of our garden. It all started about 4 years ago when as we tumbled our way through getting dressed for work and having breakfast, we spotted a fox through the back window, patrolling around the sun lounger itself,as a couple of its young played on the lounger itself, totally chilled out and protected by Mum. As we gulped our teas with one eye on the clock along came a third, then a fourth, quickly followed by a fifth and sixth! It was the start of their relationship with each other, with their mother, and ours with them.
Sadly the six didn't last and in the days that followed they dwindled to three, before Mum sent them on their way, doubtless to find their own territory.
In the years since, each year we've had a little brood. Are we looking at more pups from the original Mum or her grandchildren. Who knows. Our part in the plan is to keep the ancient ancestral pile available. An honourable task.
They really ask no more of us and in return, there is the occasional spellbinding meeting as they saunter quietly and nonchalantly through the garden on the way to the woods across the road for a bite to eat. Don't ask. I just hope it's a grey squirrel and don't get me started on them. There are presently one adult and two kids in residence.
I was standing outside the garage one sunny morning about six weeks ago trying to make some sense of the confusion that is our garage, but also just enjoying the sunshine. Something made me look to my left and there was a fine-looking fox no more than 7 or 8 feet away from me, very cool, just watching me. I watched back.
There was such an air of calm and composure in the way it stood there. No nerves no darting glances to right or left, no threatening growls or frightened yelps. No indication of fright or flight about to take over. Just curiosity. We had a quiet unspoken exchange. Live and let live. And then, when the fox had had enough and remembered his main purpose today, as with every day, was to find enough food to survive, It moved on. Not at a pace or looking over his shoulder to see what I was doing, but with a quiet, unhurried dignity. Beautiful.
They don't push their luck. Not like those 'in your face' squirrels!
Meanwhile we leave them to their little wilderness at the back.
No comments:
Post a Comment