Oh my! Somedays are just OH my days. I have seen about five foxes in my life, in Alaska, Canada, Wyoming and The Holler. I was on Santa Cruz Island before and saw the Channel Island foxes, a very unusual species that live only on the Channel Islands, no where else in the world, but I wasn’t really taking photos then. So back I went to see them again and try and get their photos. We hiked all over stunning Santa Cruz Island, and I firmly believe that since I was seeking, I didn’t find. It was an hour until the boat left and I had already been waiting in the place I had seen them before for about an hour. Silent, still, waiting. When, at last, the first fox came out. She scuttled along this open but submerged ditch that I am guessing she built that led from her den. She was surreptitious at first, but quickly got braver.
This is the second fox. This one was bigger and I assume (with no knowledge to back me up that this was a male).
The friendly first one again.
This is the third smaller one. She (or he) got very close as long as I didn’t move a titch.
I have so many more photos of this unique species. They are 1/3 smaller than the North American Grey fox. Channel Island foxes live on 6 of the 8 Channel Islands. Each island has a separate endemic fox species.
Current thinking seems to be that these island foxes rafted over during the last ice age about 10,000- 16,000 years ago.
They are very protected here. I am speechless. They are remarkbale.
I forget to mention. Santa Cruz Island is ethereal.
Cheers to you from the rare Channel Island foxes~
.
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Cute little guys!
Amen!
Oh my goodness…EPIC!…how beautiful Cindy. Thank you.
I was over the moon! So glad you enjoyed them~
Wow 😀 such a nice adventure, Cindy. Hope you enjoy your adventure.
Domo Arigato Yoshiko~
You are welcome, Cindy
OH MY! That must have been an amazing experience. One day we will get to the Channel Islands! Beautiful photographs!
Alison
Tell me when you go! I want to see your pics~
They are so very beautiful.
Yes! Utterly charming~
Beautiful. 🙂
Merci!
Such beautiful coloring.
Red, grey and white!!! A bit of every fox~
These are just the most gorgeous captures… what a fascinating little fox… it always fascinates me thinking how they got to where they are today… and looking at the photos of the Islands a fascinating place indeed… I always wonder why, when a nature lover will sit quietly, that the animals will come out and pose for them like these three did for you…. they obviously know how safe they are, and how fascinated you are with them… I love this post and I love this blog…
I got the same impressions that you did, probably because we both sit patiently and silently waiting for wildlife! Some of the happiest moments of my life and yours too I bet~
So right, the reward for patience, is always brilliantly returned…
Interesting-looking foxes. They’re very cute.
They are both things and I am glad you enjoyed them~
Beautiful.
Mil grazi!
Super, Cindy! 🙂
Thank you!
They are beautiful. And, we give them a bad name
They are pure good!
So beautiful animal, thanks for sharing this post Cindy 🙂
Thank you more for appreciating~
Gorgeous pictures. It looks like another place I should add to my list. Amazing!
That is a magnificent creature!
My thoughts exactly!
Reblogged this on MowryJournal.com and commented:
Great photos of the very rare Channel Island Foxes. Enjoy!
Awwwww honored and so great to hear from you! Thank you~
Thank you! Fabulous photography, as always!
They’re really beautiful aren’t they. And the island looks idyllic.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
Affirmative to both & cheers to you David~
My goodness, Cindy, you must have the patience of Job! Fancy going there and waiting for these beautiful creatures, dare I ask how long it took you to get these wonderful shots?
Probably about an hour and a half. I would have stayed longer but the boat was leaving! 😉
Thank you for your patience, which was rewarded! They’re beautiful creatures.
They seemed magical to me, fairy foxes!
What wonderful photos! The one pic looks like he or she is smirking at your camera!! I have always loved the red fox since I was a very little girl, it is so cool to see this different breed of fox! These pics of yours should be in National Geographic magazine! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Awwwww, the friendliest one did seem like she enjoyed the attention and she kept getting closer and closer.
What a wonderful post!! The foxes are beautiful creatures.
I am just so happy no one can kill them.
All foxes look cute or clever. These surpass all.
I agree with you. They were just so unique!
Thank you Cindy for sharing the photos of the foxes.
Thank you more for appreciating them~
Very cute. Great photos, as usual.
Awwww very motivating!
That’s wonderful. Their eyes are an unusual and quite a exotic shape. i do love your photos.
http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/love/love0021.gif
Well we are even because I love yours too!
Oh my , oh my , they are so precious in every sense of the word.
Captivating and entrancing, yes indeed!
As you promised . . . what beautiful animals.
Yes and so petite and quick witted!
Thanks for another great trip and photos Cindy.
I like traveling with you Wally!
I didn’t know about these foxes … so thanks for the exposing the wonder!
Thank you more for appreciating them!
They’re beautiful, Cindy! What a treat!
I was so grateful I got to see them once again. A treat indeed!
They are bold little critters. When we visited a few years ago, they came prety close to our group.
Yes, I hear they gather round your tents at night and you can only see their eyes!
I am in awe. What a memorable experience, Cindy. They heard a naturalist was on the island and decided it was ok to check you out. So fortunate for you.
Maybe they thought something like, “she’s not moving, let’s go see if can pilpher stuff from her pack!” 😉
I have a thing for foxes and now Channel Island foxes in particular. Thank you for posting these beautiful images.
Well, then I am doubly glad I posted them!
Such cute little creatures, great captures Cindy! 🙂
Mil grazi!
precious looking faces!!!
So petite and well, foxie!
Love those pics. How interesting about their history there, and that you got such close up shots of them. They are beautiful animals.
Yes indeed they are! So glad you agree~
How precious! Incredible captures, Cindy!
Awwww, thank you Amy!
I swear that fox is smiling at you!
That’s what I thought!!! 😉
So beautiful. Wonderful photographs.
Awwwww <3
What lovely little creatures. They certainly have a unique facial structure.
Like miniature little fox faces! 🙂
Beautiful creatures. Beautiful place.
Next time you head this way, you should come these cuties Dor!
Stunning close ups, Cindy. Gorgeous creatures, and a paradise island too. 🙂
Yes, I was almost wishing I would miss the boat, so I could spend the night, but I didn’t have a tent and the ranger was way too young for me. Besides I am married and my husband would be displeased!! 😉 😉
Hi my friend Cindy!
Beautiful clicks I must say!! 🙂 You have perfectly managed to capture the true colors of foxes. Great work..
Be Bettr, Stay Bettr! 🙂
Swetank.
Very kind and most appreciated!
Delightful creatures and amazing photos…you were blessed with their visit and we are blessed with your photos…thanks!
Awwww, you rock, thanks!
They are beautiful but a wee bit scary looking…just a wee bit!
Naaaah, sweet as can be!
Wow! What a treat to see such beautiful photos of these rare creatures. I love that they’re protected to the point that they don’t have to fear humans.
Isn’t it wonderful and the way it should be I suspect! <3
Wow Cindy. You have been communing with nature lately. Gorgeous photos of these beautiful foxes. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks more for appreciating!
very smart!I didn’t know this fox! Thanks for sharing!
So happy to introduce you and glad you enjoyed!
Lovely, pretty foxes! I would sure like to play with them!
Oh yes, but I think they might be a tad nervous of Wolfie!
Wolfie would be gentle with them!! 😉
I bet he would, because you raised him. <3
My friend had two wolves and they were firm and put a rather rude pit bull regularly in his place whenever necessary, but they were gentle too. Strong though and dominant, but gentle. Incredible creatures to be up close and personal with.
Beautiful creatures! 🙂
Aren’t they wonderful! Cheers to you and hope all is well Bette~
Lovely, Cindy. What an interesting blue colour of fur.
Yes gorgeous multi-colors aren’t they!
Wonderful foxes – thanks for showing them to us, Cindy. Here in Britain, foxes are reddish, so seeing these is a novel experience.
Thank you so much for appreciating them! I have seen photos of the UK’s foxes, but have never actually seen one
Oh Cindy! They could not be more beautiful. You are so lucky to have met them, and I am so lucky that you have shared them with me. I wish there were more than only 80. They should be an endangered species, but when I looked them up it said “threatened”? What are we waiting for, 10 foxes?
Resa, you are entirely on the mark. My son knows a lot more about The Channel Island ecosystems because he went to college there majoring in wildlife biology.
The foxes are very rare and very much vulnerable due to their small numbers and limited habitat. They are currently in recovery mode due to a lot of complex factors including moving Golden Eagles, restablishing Bald Eagles, moving non-native pigs, and captive breeding. It is too complicated for me to pretend to be knowledgeable. The lowest tally of Channel Island foxes sometime in the early 2000’s was 80 on Santa Cruz, 15 each on two other islands. They were severely endangered then and are in comeback mode now due to these aforementioned efforts and more. It is a conservation success story. To read more than I know check out:
http://www.nps.gov/chis/naturescience/island-fox.htm
All I know is they are magnificent and I know you feel the same. Thank you my friend for bothering to research them and my thoughts as always are squarely with you. <3 <3
Number two down, what a beautifully smug look, Cindy. Love it. Wonderful photos. –Curt
Thanks my friend!!! Such a moment of pure joy!!!
I love it. Babies.
I agree, hard to get more loveable than this! Cheers to you my friend~
deliziosa piccola volpe azzurra! un incanto di foto!
Muchas gracias y usted son muy amable!
What gorgeous big eyes they have, quite stunning photos Cindy
Beautiful, intelligence in those eyes! Thank you Pauline~
das sind unglaublich schöne Bilder, alles Gute, KLaus
Vielen dank Klaus! 🙂
I absolutely adore those foxes. Have emailed your post to two people who I know will love them, too. Will also share on facebook, as I’ve loads of animal-loving friends there.
Absolutely “Oh My”. I am so happy that these foxes are protected and not seen as vermin as in many other parts of the world 😀
Yes so glad you see them as I do. I can’t imagine seeing a fox as vermin. They eat rats, mice etc.
Thank you for sharing! Those foxes look adorable 🙂
No wonder foxy is slang for good looking! 😉
Fantastic pictures!
So happy you like them & cheers to you too!
Beautiful Cindy! The landscape and the foxes compliment each other so perfectly. Leave it to nature to get it right! xx
Hi Lea, nothing can surpass mother nature! Hope all is well with you my friend~
As usual, you are right Cindy! Merci beaucoup and a votre santé!
Fantastic photos!
Awwwww, so motivating! Thanks~
Wow! Super photos, really excellent. Nice to sit some place and then be rewarded. Ken
Hi Ken, it was a pretty incredible experience! So happy you liked them too~
They are gorgeous.
Yes they are and so winsome too!
Lucky you! Your pics are marvelous.
Awwww, your comment is so appreciated!
Beautiful scenery; adorable wildlife. Amazing photos, Cindy! 🙂
What a beautiful world we have been gifted with~
You must have a big zoom lens to capture birds and foxes =)! I think foxes are really cute looking. I don’t know what kind of problems they will pose to human, but I was not amuse by the fox hunting tradition in UK, which is for the entertainment. I don’t support any kind of animal cruelty in any part of the world, might it be whales, sharks, seals, bears etc. Just wish human can live peacefully with these animals.
Yes I so share your feeling. Humans need to learn to live peacefully with each other and with the animal world. These foxes know this, they came right up close to me, within a foot or so!
Cute little critters 🙂
Very cute and very clever too!
Fabulous post,the Fox is a master in his games.Best regards.
Fabulous is just the right world. Cheers to you Jalal~
Cindy, I love these photos! Thank you very much for posting them!
Despite their traditionally mostly negative image in Chinese culture, the fox has always been one of my favorite animals. 🙂
They are delightful and I am so glad you like them too. I am following your volcano eruption and hope all is well with you and your family Hari~
Thank you, Cindy.
The volcano has “behaved” a bit, but the people living near the mountain are not allowed to go back to their villages yet. They are living in temporary camps. We try our best to help them.
The new elected president is going to visit them soon. I hope he brings more aids with him. 🙂
I hope so too. I have been worried about the eruption. Sounds so stressful and difficult. I hope aid is brought in for the people displaced in camps as well. So upsetting and frightening. Please keep me posted Hari. I am still sending you my thoughts and prayers. <3
Wunderschöne Bilder lieber Gruß und einen guten Donnerstag Gislinde
Guten Tag Gislinde !Vielen dank Gislinde <3 <3!
I think we have red foxes here. I saw one crossing the yard in the winter over snow lit by the moon one year. The Channel Isle Foxes have a unique blue hue. Sometimes the females are bigger since they have to carry offspring and the males are smaller and more colorful. Like birds.
Winter is fast approaching here. The daylight hours are few. And even fewer with all the rain we have been having. Thanks for all your visits. I’m looking forward to some warm weather time in December.
Hugs, Jules
Yes, I am my no means particularly knowledgeable about foxes. All I know is that I love them. <3 I thought about that as soon as I wrote it and hence the qualifier, one was smaller, one bigger, probably I should have stuck with that which about reaches the depth of my knowledge! Laughing~
Cute as a button – glad they showed themselves to you so we could meet them, too. 🙂
I think I want to post more photos of their canny burrows that seemed to allow them to funnel around on the the surface of the ground without ever being above ground level. I am probably totally wrong about this, but I would love to see what people see and think. They are so darn adorable in every way~
They must have the sweetest faces I’ve ever seen on a fox, such beautiful eyes too! 🙂
Yes, heartbreakers, one and all!! Their multi-colored coats blew me away too, they seemed to be a conglomeration of all foxes in one!
Exceptional photos, Cindy!
Awwww so appreciated!
They are wonderful!
That is the word! <3
Well, foxy lady, you’ve done it again…, wowed me with some really fantastic pics. These little guys are gorgeous creatures. 🙂 Hugs.
Can you even believe them? I felt this big spiritual thing, because I was waiting for them for no good reason except I really wanted to see them, and they finally came out and said HELLO big time! What a moment in time. They stayed until I was the last to make it back on the boat. These are the moments where we can know all life is divine. You know this better than I. Hugs back to you cousin~
Wow, what a thrill to see such gorgeous creatures. Life is good!
My feelings precisely! Nice you would know that~
Wow, great photos of great creation of almighty
Awwww, thank you!
They looks very healthy…not how I picture a fox in the wild…beautiful creatures!
Good to see isn’t since they almost died out!
Really awesome photos, Cindy. And always a treat to see an endemic. 🙂
It was truly an epic experience for me to get so close to such incredible creatures!
Thrilling. I haven’t seen any foxes since last winter. The one looks like he/she has a look of pure joy. 😀
Yes! I felt that too definitely. What marvelous animals!
I really find it hard to make a balanced comment. Those foxes are exceptionally beautiful. And it is good that they are protected. Here in Australia they are “AN INTRODUCED SPECIES” and I think that makes all the difference. Here they are responsible – along with the cat – with the destruction of many of our native species. They have actually wiped out some species. BUT have a look at “We went to look at the whales” on my blog to see what I mean. And, Cindy, this is not a blatant attempt to promote my blog – It’s to do with foxes and photos and a bit more. And I don’t need to promote because you are already one of my favourite followers.
I don’t think I have heard about these foxes before. Amazing!
Yes. I am officially a member of their fan club! 😉
And I 🙂
Oh my goodness you were so close! You must be part native American with or stealth skills! These are such cute foxes! Lovely photos as always Cindy!
Animals seem to have a second sense about whom to trust. I wonder how they do this? So glad you like the foxes too~
Pingback: Playing with Channel Is Foxes « Some Animals are Crackers
Fantastic story and beautiful photos. I have reblogged an intro on Some Animals are Crackers.
AV
I am honored! Thank you so much and have an excellent week~
Worthy. The week will depend if I survive Monday… 🙂
AV
Always Mondays…….. :'(
These are amazing photos!
Really happy you like them and thank you!
Absolutely superb, breathtaking really!
Oh you are so very kind and you know I am a big admirer of your blo!
You’re welcome and thanks for the kind words. I love your travel tales and photos, but especially how your own love for nature shines through in posts like this one about the foxes, and your earlier hawk series!
Wild creatures thrill and comfort me as I know they do you! <3
Reblogged this on Art, animals, and the earth.
They’re beautiful and your photos are incredible!
I bet Clowie would protect them, although their only enemies on the islands are bald eagles! Cheers to you and thank you too~
Liebe Cindy super Fotos von den Füchsen spitze toll fotografiert einen schönen Donnerstag wünsche ich dir und die schönen Leckereien da bekommt man ja gleich Lust welche zu naschen ganz liebe Grüße in Freundschaft Klaus
Guten Tag Klaus! Danke schoen und Happy Halloween! 👿
They look lovely! What a privilege to be able to observe them.
I have to confess, I was completely thrilled! So happy you enjoyed them~
Oooh, nice that you visited Santa Cruz island on foot as well! I didn’t manage to do that, but your photos convinced me that I have to rectify this some day… soon! 🙂
I hope you do! Anacapa is most interesting too! Happy Halloween to you~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcfMm4eNq-k&feature=player_detailpage
Räven (Finnish)= Vixen
Interesting. When we were in Russia, we visited a museum on ethnography of Arctic peoples. They live obviously in the far Arctic reaches and their cultures have remained somehwhat unchanged by time due to their geographical isolation. I found this wonderful and this music reminds me of it. Thanks for sending me it my friend~
You have a good ear 🙂 which means you hear more than the superficial noises. This IS blended with a Soumi (Sami) dialect.
There is a trick to breathing like that without hyperventilating, though sometimes hyperventilating is done on purpose. Variations are done all the way around the artic circle. However, this particular song is a modern song on an old theme with mixed genre, as much of Hedningarna’s music is. I am tickled that you heard it 🙂
That feeling of running for miles and miles is a common Northern element, as well.
Human and fox changelings is a shared theme in folk tales in the Northern Hemisphere where ever there are (or have been) fox.
I hope your little Island Fox survive.
Thank you for sharing so much through your beautiful photography.:-D
Amazing! I visited with the Sami on a prior trip to Norway. Yes, the breathing running across the arctic tundra, how remarkable. Although fox have never approached me like this before, I have heard and read of arctic foxes sort of adopting people and co-existing. They are so intelligent. Animals are simply so much more intelligent than many people give them credit for.
Your knowledge and stories are simply inspiring and leave me wanting to learn more.
Thank you so much for sharing this with me. <3 <3
What a cheeky chappie that fox is! 😀
Pretty adorable aren’t they!!
Indeed!
Heavenly island scenery and captivating foxes, too. Cindy, I enjoyed visiting these little vixens and varmints! Smiles!
Vixens and varmits! Sounds like a perfect title for a post! <3
I am a fan of all wildlife (canids in particular) and those little foxes have just moved up the list. Great pics!!!
We share similar feelings about wildlife and these little foxes are just wonderful! Cheers & thanks~
Maymont Park, in Richmond, Va. has foxes they adopted, when the pregnant mother (who died) was hit by a car. Evidently someone managed to get the fox to the Vet in time to save the cubs. Your beautiful foxes stir up memories of those guys, not to mention I like sharing THAT story.
Oh how wonderful that they saved the kits! That is a delightful story! <3
Maymont is a wonderful park. If ever you’re in RIchmond, Va. you should check it out. I have some posts from Maymont on my blog if you care to check them out, in the meantime.
I am so insanely jealous! I absolutely have got to find a way to get out there and see them for myself. I love foxes, and these are so amazingly beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!
It is a real pleasure to meet another fox lover! They are such remarkable creatures! I hope you do go and post when you do. I will give you tips on where to see them~
I promise, I *will* definitely keep you posted! I didn’t even know these little guys existed, and I’m just fascinated by them. And I meant to say, your photos are fantastic! 🙂
Very kind and most appreciated! Cheers to you~
Love these-your pictures are so lovely and he/she didn’t seem frightened at all !! As an aside-I lived in Fox Valley, IL and NEVER saw a fox!
Oh that is a darn shame isn’t it! I didn’t know we would have such a problem with gophers at The Holler even though we live near Gopher Canyon Road. 😉
I must have a Golden Ink to write magic words for your amazing post:)
Oh please do!!!! 🙂
They are beautiful 😉
Very pleased you like them & cheers to you~
Hi Cindy! I’ve never seen foxes like these. They have beautiful, almost feline, faces. Awesome captures!
Yes there is a definite feline quality to them & I am so glad you like them! Cheers to you my friend~ <3
Beautiful! I’m so glad your wait panned out. And so interesting that they have involved into different species on the different islands.
They are the most beguiling little wild creatures, and you’re right, their unique evolution, each slightly different on different islands, so close to each other, is remarkable.
Cindy, I was looking at some of your older posts, which are also beautiful. I love these photographs.
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is a wonderful post on a group of unusual foxes!
I fell in head over heels for these adorable creatures. Thank you for finding them and for championing them!
What a lovely post about a unique species. They’re beautiful. <3
Aren’t they wonderful! So small and so clever. They enraptured me!
Gorgeous foxes, gorgeous photography. So real, so natural, and friendly. I use to see red and gray foxes in Connecticut in the forest preserve that was literally our backyard. I don’t know anything about foxes, except I think they are beautiful and clever. Cindy, thank you for sharing, so beautiful.
I can count my lifetime of fox sightings on the fingers of both hands, so seeing them for me is always a major thrill. We live next to a nature preserve too, but I have seen one fox here in ten years! How fortunate you were to live with them~