Three Red Fox Kits – Nikon D810, f5.6, 1/640, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Although my primary focus in photography is birds I also enjoy taking images of the scenery, flora and wildlife I see on my photographic journeys. On my last trip up to Idaho and Montana I was able to take some images of Red Fox kits thanks to Bill and Kathleen Pelc of Dillon who pointed out where their den was.
The light was awful when I photographed the fox kits with gray, cloudy skies overhead. I had no choice but to bump up my ISO to gain some shutter speed.
The den was on a sagebrush and grass covered hillside and as far as I know there were only three kits or at least I only ever saw three of them. In this photograph the trio of Red Fox kits were close together outside of the den and I liked how they appeared to be waiting for something. Maybe they were waiting for the adult to bring them something to eat.
I do wish the light had been better because they played and chased each other all over the hillside and I could have gotten some wonderful images of them playing.
Still, I like this image because when I took it I felt that for a moment I was part of their world and this photo reminds me of that.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red Fox photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’d take this image any day…the kits are so cute; well done.
I really love this photo, this shot captured the sweet image of their inquisitive, innocence of a new day’s adventures. Mia, you must have had such fun watching them romping and playful.
Such alert charmers. Thank you.
Wonderful photo, Mia! Such gorgeous animals. I love their eyes.
I’m not sure that in this “I felt that for a moment I was part of their world” you are talking about something that happens to me sometimes. It is that the intensity of my focus on the subject through the lens becomes so strong, it is as if I am inside the lens and there have joined the subject. It’s my favorite thing about photography. It doesn’t happen with every shot, hardly! It’s infrequent and often it’s those photos that are my best and favorites. I feel as if I were a part of the scene itself.
How do you find these moments, these things?? You know what? I think these things find their way to YOU – being an open, appreciative observer with a magnificent sense of wonder just waiting to be awakened. It’s sort of magnetic, this affiliation of nature and Mia. We are blessed who stand and observe what you observe and bring home to the rest of us! THANK YOU!
The moments when we are “part of their world” as you say, are to be treasured, as you do.
Thanks for all your pictures and stories.
This is a great image with the raised den being bare and where all the kits are. It really does capture that special moment. And they are so cute!
My wife and I agree, this is a wonderful image of innocence in nature—sweet too.
I LOVE THIS IMAGE!!! Especially the backlit, ringed with light ears…WONDERFUL,(and great composition, as usual)…also love the setting, the silver-grey sage …it’s amazing you could capture thrm sitting still enpugh for a family portrait…
Wonderful image, Mia. Their posture says “We are posing for you”.
You never cease to amaze me with the number of different species you find
as targets for your camera. I know well the frustration of having to raise the
ISO in order to get more shutter speed, but sometime there is no other choice.
The young of any species make wonderful subjects, but the young of mammals
are especially appealing to me… yes, as you so often say, “life is good.” ;-)))