Together, they rejoiced! . . . . . . . . (Red Foxes at Bombay Hook, National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware - 9 of 9, full story)
Red Foxes - mating, bonding, celebrating. view these as a slideshow
This was the image I wanted to post first. But I felt I had to hold off, tell the story one photo at a time, and finish it with this. It was such a great day, and such a cool drama to witness.
Here's the series from the start:
(this played out over about a 6 hour period...)
Comments and faves
Northeast Bay, jaciii (off&on), Valpopando, ~Suemil~, and 189 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Nikographer [Jon] (53 months ago | reply)
Red Fox at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware.
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Today was just so awesome. My second trip to Bombay Hook NWR and I can't believe it.
It was supposed to be cloudy all day, and on Friday I was expecting Saturday to be a wash. But I went, and it was actually partly cloudy early. You just can't trust the weathermen that much.
Foxy!
It was in the 20's and a lot of the water was frozen over. I saw numerous foxes on the ice, a lot of them. According to Doug, who has gone here a bunch, the foxes were extra active and he saw around 8 or 10 of them early in the day.
I also ran in to Robert and Barry and his dad.
On the prowl - Red Fox at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Early morning consisted of a number of foxes working the marshes and ice. In between periods of being active a couple times we could see them lay down, and rest, and clean themselves some.
Then this one made some good time along the edge of the ice, and stopped a few times to scent mark... In the above she (?) scent marks just before running across the road to a different patch.
Scent Marking - Red Fox at Bombay Hook NWR, DE
Having just scent marked the fox crosses the road and takes a moment to look behind her. Her plan is starting to come together.
Red Fox checks the trail she has set
(Red Fox at Bombay Hook NWR, DE)
Unable to resist her charms he follows his nose, it always knows... (lol, couldn't resist)...
He's hot on her trail
Red Foxes at Bombay Hook NWR, DE
The female made it in to the marsh/woods and he followed her in. A minute later the two of them came racing out. You can see her slightly submissive posture in the above...
The time draws near
Red Foxes Mating - Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Delaware
Having lured in the male with her charms, they began to mate, and actually mated continuously for the first hour or so! They then each settled in to the grass and slept for a while....
There had to be 7 or 8 photographers around for the much of the early activity, but most moved on including myself once they went to sleep. But this story doesn't end here...
Love is in the air....
Red Foxes Mating and Bonding at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
...when you're happy it shows. He's so happy I think he's dancing.
After initially mating for about an hour, they rested and then over the course of another hour or two mated and played a little. I'd have to guess that they were afraid of each other before they first got together. And with that out of the way they seemed to be more at ease with each other.
I'm really looking forward to going back and hopefully seeing some kits! I read a bit this weekend and learned that the males will stick around and help feed the female while she's pregnant (wiki)..
I have a hunch that when she marked the trail and he followed it was to where she has her den picked out. Had that been where she wanted to mate they would have never left the wooded area and come back in to our view along the marsh.
A Thousand Words
Together, they rejoiced!
SunStones* (53 months ago | reply)
This was a wonderful series! Thank you!
Phillip Chitwood (53 months ago | reply)
An Amazing series, Jon! Really enjoyed each one!
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howardpennphoto (53 months ago | reply)
The series is great. This last shot is the best.
Northeast Bay (53 months ago | reply)
Great story, Jon!!!
jaciii (off&on) (53 months ago | reply)
Congratulations your photo has been WOWed and awarded with a WowieKazowie!
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Valpopando (53 months ago | reply)
absolutly incredible professional set of image !!
djipibi (53 months ago | reply)
Stuning set of images.
This series of shots is simply outstanding.
You are one of the best!
t.sullivan photography (53 months ago | reply)
This whole serious is really awesome! I've never been lucky enough to see a fox (let alone two!) in the wild. Excellent captures.
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tperry111(Thom) (53 months ago | reply)
What a FANTASTIC series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!
~Suemil~ (53 months ago | reply)
WOW! An excellent, beautiful series! Outstanding photos and story!
This Great Photographic Art was made by a Diamond Class Photographer!
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fishlady_Montana (53 months ago | reply)
Absolutely the best series. If you keep going back you should be able to find the den and see the kits.
ANTONAMON (53 months ago | reply)
Congrats on this fantastic series.
_ njphoto [deleted] (53 months ago | reply)
Awesome shot Jon, looks like they are boxing
Dean Forbes (53 months ago | reply)
first class wildlife series!
PeteZ28 (53 months ago | reply)
Great series Jon!
Hot Flash Photography (53 months ago | reply)
Fantastic, Jon. I guess they were totally oblivious to your presence? What a day you must have had.
Steven Fought Photography aka: FŏtFōtō (53 months ago | reply)
Great series, glad to see we went to 9. Love this one as I did all the others but to catch the 2 together like this is wonderful! Great work!
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1bluecanoe (53 months ago | reply)
Awesome work........congratulations!
Ol-Jerr (53 months ago | reply)
Amazing set, the best I've seen.
ajay77* (53 months ago | reply)
The most amazing set of photos ever!! Just gorgeous and a great accomplishment! Love all of them individually and as a story!!!
MemaNH ... retired and loving it!!! (53 months ago | reply)
Spectacular set. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. :)
garyhymes (53 months ago | reply)
Well done! Way to go Delaware Wildlife.
artofgold (53 months ago | reply)
Wow, this is a fantastic set!! Awesome work!
Imapix (53 months ago | reply)
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooW!
RoxandaBear (53 months ago | reply)
just speechless!! The ending image really tops it off!!
[Christine] (53 months ago | reply)
Great! They look like they're dancing!
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idelasse (53 months ago | reply)
Just gorgeous, Jon!
Whitesusie (53 months ago | reply)
An absolutely amazing set Jon. Your patience has paid off. just wonderful! Faved.
he who shall (53 months ago | reply)
Freaking awesome!!!
yahcatphotos (53 months ago | reply)
It is tremendous when one can see nature in all of its glory. To be able to caputre it has got be a thrill above just taking a shot. Nice going and thanks for sharing.
Angel Cher ♥ (53 months ago | reply)
What a great series and lovely... Love story!!!
congrats I give you a BLUE RIBBON
Barry-O [deleted] (53 months ago | reply)
Great Series Jon !!!!!!!!!!!
dmcantrell (53 months ago | reply)
excellent work, great focus and composition
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Marrrcelll (53 months ago | reply)
This is soooo good, Jon.
Very impressive series!
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rivadock4 (53 months ago | reply)
The series is a winner Jon. I'm glad that you were there. "If you don't go then you won't see."
ps. My ear is better.
Bill Jones Jr [deleted] (53 months ago | reply)
Jon, this is just outstanding work. Bravo.
wildorcaimages (53 months ago | reply)
Such a cool series, love the "rejoicing one". They look like they are dancing!!!!!!!!!!!
Giuseppe Parisi (53 months ago | reply)
... the pleasure of viewing pro's shots!!!
atomicdolll [deleted] (53 months ago | reply)
Fantastic, Jon! Congratulations on a wonderful series
Tall Bob (53 months ago | reply)
Superb images and photography Jon!!! WoW!!! Incredible series!!!
Ladybug1016 [deleted] (53 months ago | reply)
This whole series is absolutely fantastic! These should so be on National Geographic or Animal Planet or something! Great captures! :D
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libbylou1300 (53 months ago | reply)
How beautiful! Thanks for sharing this amazing photo story!
TomFlikrPhotos (53 months ago | reply)
National Geographic would love to have this shot, and the series as support. This is amazing. Congratulations! Thanks for being here to take it, and thanks for sharing.
ishootfotos (53 months ago | reply)
Excellent series - they rejoiced is an awesome shot - way to be in the right place (and ready to shoot) at the right time! Great DOF, light and composition - well done!
Outstanding Shot! Please add this to our
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Schooled_in _rock (53 months ago | reply)
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This was a great series!
mischiru (53 months ago | reply)
Stunning captures...
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Steve Vetter (53 months ago | reply)
Awesome series !!! Loved it !
K. Rattray (53 months ago | reply)
great finale, congrats on holding off on this awesome picture till the end. fav'd
Steve Byland (53 months ago | reply)
WOW - killer series of shots - you really need to find additional outlets for this series!