Unexpected Lunch Guest

What a beautiful October day. Ed had just come inside for lunch when I spotted the fox in the garden. Usually fox sightings are made  in the morning or early evening, but not this time. We watched as the fox wandered among the plants. He sat down and gave the back of his head a good scratch.  We wondered if the fox is healthy. He looked rather lanky and seemed to be without his thick  winter coat. Perhaps the lack of cold weather has made a difference. When the fox decided to leave, he ran off quickly into the pines. He certainly looked like he was feeling fine then.

Ed finished planting the last of his garlic in the wilderness garden. It's good to have that done. Rain is forecast and the hunters are out and about. Bow season for deer starts on Saturday.

It's a Good Sign

One might wonder how scat on top of a stone wall can be a good sign. For me it is! I have an interesting book called "Tracking and the Art of Seeing: How to Read Animal Tracks & Sign" by Paul Rezendes.It's very helpful for the garden detective in the winter.

This sign says that the foxes are back. The berries and the placement of this scat are a giveaway. Odor and size are clues as well, but I don't get close enough to measure or compare scents where scat is concerned. The fox likes to leave his little present up at nose level to mark his territory. In the past we have had gray foxes here, but they could be red. It all comes down to white or black on the tip of their tail. I can't wait to see them! Rabbits, squirrels , voles, and field mice beware! You are on the menu. I'm sure you'll be delicious after eating my lovely garden plants!