The Foxes of Four Beaches

By Barbara Vietzke

When we moved here last spring, I had no idea what a wonderful surprise awaited my photography! Although the red fox is abundant in Connecticut, I had only had a brief glimpse of one or two skittering across the road at night - until we moved to Four Beaches.

As last spring graced us with longer days, dusk became my favorite time to head outside with my camera and long lens. A red fox family frequently visited the lawn in front of our condo, and they became my favorite photographic challenge!

Most wild animals keep their distance from people, the red fox included. I am always careful when photographing to respect appropriate boundaries, allowing wildlife in particular to define where they can remain comfortable and unthreatened. The fox family I encountered here appeared relatively at ease around me. They have reportedly lived here for years at Four Beaches and the adjoining marshes. Many residents fondly remember the fox family that made their home in the stone wall bordering the tennis courts. I hope that this year I will again encounter some kits playing on the beach or in the grassy lawn.

The red fox is best identified by its reddish coat, black legs and ears, and beautiful long white-tipped tail. Sleek and agile, a family of parents and two cubs appeared early in the morning and at dusk, seeking food - and ready to frisk and play in the case of the kits.

Our foxes ignored me for the most part, sniffing the grass for small rodents, insects, and vegetation. As the kits grew bigger, sometimes they ventured out alone or with each other, leaving mom and dad behind. My presence was, for the most part, ignored. They posed no danger to me or others, merely blending into the beautiful sunsets and serenity Four Beaches offers to us all.

It probably goes without saying that I hope another family of foxes will visit us again this year!