Red Fox and Snake Limb

We seem to be seeing a lot more foxes than we ever did. While driving through another neighborhood there was one scurrying in broad daylight in front of all of the homes - even stopping for a close up photo. We saw one in the neighborhood park two weeks ago, running along the stream and then in to it - far enough away to turn his head back and look at us. My husband even saw them on Capitol Hill on morning walks - on the Capitol grounds. And unfortunately this week we saw two dead on the side of the GW parkway. A week ago we went on a morning walk in the neighborhood park. The first thing we ask is where are the birds, the heron, the hawk, the deer, and the fox? And if there aren’t any animals or birds, we imagine things like snakes wrapping around tree limbs. As we were walking on a long stretch, the fox appeared at the far end of sidewalk - and stood there watching us. He saw we were coming towards him and finally darted back in to the brush. We passed that area and didn’t think we would see him again. Then on the way back we spotted him - now across the little stream - watching us again. It almost makes you feel weird - what was he thinking? Then yesterday he appeared in the same area but just ran back in to the bushes before I even had a chance to get his photo. We really enjoy seeing the wildlife - it seems like they really enjoy seeing us too! 

The Red Fox

We usually see a variety of animals and birds in the neighborhood park - herons, fox, deer and other feathered friends. This morning we took a walk in the neighborhood rather than the park. Regardless of where we walk we always take a short ride in the car to either cool down or warm up before heading back home for brunch. Usually on Saturdays we head towards Palisades on Dolley Madison Parkway and then head to Glebe Road and Arlington. But something caught our eye today before we made the turn on to Old Dominion Drive - a red fox. We haven’t seen one for a while - in the park. So it seemed very unusual to see this one scampering about the neighborhood along the sidewalk. My husband saw a red fox by the Capitol building several years ago - so it’s not unheard of to see them about. In fact a year or two back a beautiful red fox was unfortunately hit by a car and was lying in the street. I’ve never seen one so up close as that one. Anyway this one was making its way down the street and then we noticed that he was having difficulty walking with his rear legs. I think he was probably hit by a car. That made us feel even worse because he would probably end up in trouble. A neighborhood dog took notice when he was spotted. I guess we’ll never know what will happen to the poor fellow. To be out in broad daylight along a busy street wasn’t a good sign. 

A Red Fox and a Deer Family

One of the reasons I like walking in the park by our house is looking out for animals and birds that might come across our path. The other day we thought we saw a dog on the path, but it was a fox. And it was a very mangy looking thing. It was also very interested in us. He kept looking back to see what we were up to, almost posing for pictures. He really looked either very old or very sick. The fur on his rear quarters and tail was almost non existent. Then he wandered off in to the trees. Today we were walking along the stream and across the way were six deer. They blended in so well with the background that we hardly noticed them - until we did. They were watching us as much as we were watching them. I always liked animals of all sorts and I could spend hours just observing them. So I’m glad we still have an opportunity to do just that. These are the time when I wish I had a telephoto lens. 

Flying Objects Along the Potomac and the Tidal Basin

There is no snow to force the Canada Geese to go further south, so they are hanging around here in large numbers. Just about anywhere you look they are there. We started out for brunch today and a few were flying in formation on our way to the GW Parkway. The planes were landing at Reagan - wonder how close they get? All along the Potomac they were sitting in bunches and standing on the ice. A lone boater was fishing further up stream. Unfortunately a red fox met his maker - red tail blowing in the breeze. On the way home we took a ride around the tidal basin... More planes and geese hanging around all the familiar monuments and landmarks. We've loved here several years now and it's always amazing to be able to see the sights here is such a casual way, in all seasons. If you look hard enough there is always something interesting to see. Actually, you don't even have to try very hard. 

The Capitol Fox

I wouldn't have believed it if I did not see a picture of it. My husband called me excitedly on the phone to report a fox sighting on his walk this morning. And not out in the woods somewhere but in front of the Capitol Building. The red furry fellow got the attention of the Capitol police guards, who claim he lives there, and all the others passing by. My husband usually doesn't take photos, so I was pleased to see all the backdrops he caught him in - in front of the Supreme Court, the Library, and all the Capitol surroundings. It wasn't all that unusual to see coyotes, skunks, raccoons, deer and other wildlife in our neighborhood in Milwaukee. You never know what you will run in to around here, but seeing something like this was very unexpected and thoroughly entertaining - even though I missed it. The funny thing is it looks like he owns the place! Does anyone out there know the story about the Capitol fox?