Tonight while I was out hobbling in the wake of the Disreputable Duo, Babs was busy in her magical laboratory. On my return from the wild darkness of Michigan Trail, I found her weekly email. She wrote: Since it is Valentine’s Day, I will call this Foxy Lady. I’m not much of a wild life photographer because I don’t have the patience to sit and wait for some animal to get into range and do what I want. So I have to photograph animals with pure luck and that is how I got this one today. I came home from East Jordan on Kidder Road in hopes of finding my Sunday photo and gee whiz, this little lady made an appearance and was gone as quick as she appeared. But I did get a couple of shots. Now I have no idea the gender of this fox, but am choosing to call it female.
Dunno about getting animals to do what you want, Babs. I’ve been thinking about it, and I’m pretty sure that the essential characteristic of wildlife photographers is the ability to want what the animals do. What a great shot!
Every week photographer Babs Young captures moments in northern Michigan, and every week she sends one to Torch Lake Views just for you. You can find more of her photos at the Babs Young Photo Archives and on her Blue Heaven Flickr photostream.
Torch Lake Views 
Katherine
February 15, 2010
Very cool!
Gerry
February 15, 2010
Yes!
uphilldowndale
February 15, 2010
I’m somewhat envious of that shot!
Gerry
February 15, 2010
I’m past envy of the shot. I’m envious of the sighting.
Preston Surface
February 15, 2010
I bet it’s male because it is so pretty. Unlike humans, usually the prettier the animal the more likely it’s a male.
Gerry
February 15, 2010
I thought that was just birds and fish, Preston. Although the Cowboy is at pains to point out that he is generally considered “prettier” than Miss Sadie, who is merely beautiful.
Scott Thomas Photography
February 15, 2010
The splash of the fox’s red really stand out in this winter landscape. Nice going, Babs, of getting this. I know they move very fast and you have to quick to capture them.
Wildlife photography is not only patience but being in the right place. Going where the wildlife is. Its as much about knowing your subject as it is luck.
Cindy Lou
February 15, 2010
Such a bright little gal….a splotch of color in the winterness!
Gerry
February 15, 2010
I know you meant the fox, but that pretty well describes Babs, too.
p.j. grath
February 15, 2010
That was a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift from the universe. Mine was a roseate spoonbill.
Gerry
February 15, 2010
PJ, I went over to Books in Northport and read all about your Valentine roseate. Very cool. (Katherine says we still say cool.)
When I took Miss Sadie and the Cowboy for their walk this morning there were a lot of gabby birds around. I was surprised, as it’s plenty cold and snowy, but I decided they were enjoying the longer daylight. There were some woodpeckers, but I don’t know what the others were. I couldn’t find them to look at, and I’m useless at bird calls. Come to think of it, maybe it was all just one puckish mockingbird . . .
Kathy
February 15, 2010
Great shot! Love the color of that red fox. Good job, Babs! (And, Gerry, yes, surely it’s female…)
Gerry
February 15, 2010
Fortunately the foxes seem to be able to tell without difficulty.
bobbie
February 15, 2010
Great shot Babs!! The only wildlife I’ve seen here in Florida is a rather brave brown rabbit searching for a handout. It’s so cool even the sea gulls have been sighted flying south. However, no complaints–:there’s no ice or snow, at least at this moment.
Gerry
February 15, 2010
Hi Bobbie! Enjoy your bunny. May the snow and ice stay away from Florida. I am fond of oranges.
Reggie
February 16, 2010
That is a brilliant shot! Well done, Babs! I love the striking orange colour of the foxy lady against the brilliant white of the snow. Perfect composition!
Reggie
February 16, 2010
I went and had a look at some of the previous photos Babs had sent to you – oh my word! They are absolutely exquisite!
Thank you, Babs and Gerry, for sharing the beauty of your world with us.
Gerry
February 16, 2010
Yup. One a week, every week, for a couple of years now. Sometimes a bonus photo. AND our Babs has become a capable reporter as well, adding to the store of Inside Info that is eventually mashed into blog posts and stories in the weekly print press. You just never know what we’ll get up to next.
isathreadsoflife
February 17, 2010
This is a wonderful shot ! It seems Babs even had time to frame it beautifully. I sometimes see foxes or deers in the distance as I walk through the woods but am always too slow to take a picture. Congratulations for this superb image, Babs ! And thank you too Gerry.
Gerry
February 17, 2010
You are very welcome. We are infested with deer in Antrim County. Babs probably had to shove some out of the way so she could take the photo of the fox. We would be happy to send you some for your viewing pleasure, should you wish to receive them. Please advise.
flandrumhill
February 17, 2010
Wow! What a beautiful creature. It looks so red against the snow. Good job Babs!
Gerry
February 17, 2010
Is that not a fine fox? I agree. Babs did well.