Waiting For Mom

It has been a treat this spring to be able to follow a family of Red Fox in their nearby den. We have had a female fox in our neighborhood for years, and she has successfully raised several litters of kits. This is the first year I have been able to get close enough to get some memorable photographs. Tonight this young kit, one of four, was on the lookout for its mom's return with supper (usually a mouthful of voles.) It played, stretched, napped, and in general totally ignored my presence and the clicking of my camera shutter. My husband Tim and I stayed for a very short time, not wanting to keep the mother fox away from her den or babies. I felt so fortunate to catch the eyes of this young one in this photo. All too soon they will disappear into the woods for a summer learning to hunt and feed themselves. But for now they are fuzzy and vulnerable. It has truly been a gift to follow them in play and in sleep...and in their wait for Mom's return.