This is a rare sighting. How often does a Gray Fox bed down in a planter box on a deck. It has been cold so perhaps that is part of the answer.
Nancy Fairhurst called her neighbors, Thom Matson and Hank Stuart, over to take a look. The Fox was asleep in a planter box on Nancy's back deck, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean on The Sea Ranch. Thom got a beautiful photo just as the Fox awoke and has kindly allowed me to share it with you here - a wonderful wildlife encounter!
We share the Mendonoma Coast with the beautiful Gray Fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus. They are often photographed hunting in the open meadows of The Sea Ranch. And that is where Hal Fogel photographed this Gray Fox. Thanks to Hal for kindly allowing me to share his photos with you.
Fun fact: Gray Foxes are monogamous. Their kits are some of the cutest critters you could hope to see. Here's a link to see Craig Tooley's photo of two Fox kits. http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/08/31/two-photos-of-gray-fox-kits-by-coastal-photographer-craig-tooley/
Kathryn Hile was very lucky to have a Gray Fox family take up residence in the courtyard of her Sea Ranch home. It sure gave her numerous chances to make photographic magic. She has shared two charming photos with us.
The first photo is of the Mother Fox with her kits in Kathryn's driveway.
And the photo below is the Dad. He was on Kathryn's porch railing the night the parents let the kits out of the courtyard for the first time. Kathryn said, "He was guarding the front door to make sure I didn't go outside to disturb them."
Thanks to Kathryn for allowing me to share her cute photos! Here's a link to several other of Kathryn's photos of this Gray Fox family: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2011/06/02/gray-fox-kits-are-being-born-now-on-the-beautiful-mendonoma-coast/
Ron Blubaugh photographed a Gray Fox lounging on a bench with a Western Scrub Jay perched nearby. Perhaps the Fox was full or just lazing the day away on the Mendonoma Coast!
Is there anything cuter than a Gray Fox Kit? I don't think so. Here are two photos from Craig Tooley that make my case. Thanks to Craig for allowing me to share them here.
Enjoy! Jeanne Jackson, Gualala
Two Gray Fox Kits
Fox Kit with parent
You can see more of Craig's Gray Fox photos at this link: http://ruffimage.smugmug.com/Nature/Foxes/18158576_2HmrLR#1394557014_B9vkbC3