Red Fox On A Cold Winter’s Day In Algonquin Park

Image of a red fox sitting on the snow during a snowstorm in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

On a cold winter’s day that included passing snow squalls, Bob and I ventured into    Algonquin Provincial Park   in hopes of seeing a Spruce Grouse.  Instead, we found ourselves in the company of a Red Fox.  Looking picture perfect, this Red Fox almost seemed to pose for our cameras while fine snowflakes settled on its fur.

Image of a car driving on hwy 60 in the winter in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

For early March, the weather was seasonal…-12 Celsius with a brisk north wind…and by times, falling snow made visibility almost nil.

Image of a Red-breasted nuthatch in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

We had little time for this excursion into the Park so decided to check out the forest around Spruce Bog Trail.  Recent sightings of two different Spruce Grouses in recent days gave us hope that at last we might see one, and given the time of year, the males were displaying.  Despite using well-packed trails that took us deep into the woods, all we turned up were a number of Black-capped Chickadees, Canada Jays, a Downy Woodpecker and this friendly little Red-breasted Nuthatch.

Image of a hairy woodpecker in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

After completing a circular route through the evergreens, we were brought back to the kiosk that holds a Guest Book and the suet feeder that is positioned on a tree.  At least 4 Woodpeckers were on site, 3 Hairy’s and one Downy.

Image of a red fox near the spruce bog in the winter in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

Bob and I were so focused on the tree branches above us that we totally overlooked a Red Fox that had stepped out from the underbrush and was scouting the ground for scattered bits of suet.

Image of a red fox stands beside the sign in box on the Spruce Bog Trail in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

Bob and I kept our distance to no avail.  The Red Fox seemed quite habituated and approached us where we stood.  When I accidentally dropped a glove, the Red Fox was particularly curious.  I retrieved my glove quickly from the ground.

Image of a red fox standing in the forest near spruce bog in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

We were pleased to see that the Red Fox appeared healthy with a very thick coat of winter fur.  It would be able to withstand the polar air easily.

Image of a red fox looking toward the lens of a camera in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

I particularly liked this portrait of the Red Fox.  Given how quickly the Fox moved around the area, I was hard-pressed to keep my lens on it.  In this case, the Red Fox seemed very curious about my clicking camera, and yet, its expression seems to say, “whatcha lookin’ at?”

Image of Jean standing in front of a red fox sitting on the snow in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

Bob and I were the only two people at that location for quite sometime, and once the Red Fox established that we were not providing any food, it moved off a short distance and settled on top of a mound of snow.

Image of a red fox holding its tail up during a snowstorm in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

At first, the Red Fox seemed to be playing shy by hiding behind its generous furry tail.

Image of a red fox sitting on the snow in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

But then, while Bob and I relished the company of the Red Fox, it curled itself into a snug ball using its fluffy long tail to keep warm.  That position was soon abandoned when the Fox’s keen ears picked up the faint sounds of more visitors alighting from cars in the unseen parking lot.

Image of a red fox stretching in the snow in Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada. Photography by Frame To Frame - Bob and Jean

Performing a stretch and a yawn, the Red Fox was ready to impress the next wildlife enthusiasts who braved the early hour and crisp air to be there.  Seeing such a prime example of Algonquin’s wildlife is always worth the time and effort required.

You May Also Enjoy:

A Black-backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus) takes time out to sit on the side of a tree in Algonquin Provincial Park

A Black-backed woodpecker in Algonquin Provincial Park

bull elk digs in snow near lake louise 2

Elk In Snowy Meadow Near Lake Louise

kudu, kruger national park, south africa

Our South African Journey to Kruger National Park

Frame To Frame – Bob and Jean

6 comments

  • Very nice write up and pictures. I’m hoping to go backpacking up there this Thanksgiving weekend (2017) and maybe get some of my own Fox, Pine Marten pics (saw your other posting); very nice pics and good write up, too 🙂

    JohnK
    Oakville, ON

    • thanks so much, John. It is always rewarding to hear from our “readers”. Sure hope you have an excellent time in the Park. Let us know what animal sightings you have. Be wary of the Moose. The males are in rut this time of the year.

  • Wowwww, I just love all your amazing pictures!!! They are all so clear and full of meaning!!! Thank you so much for sharing it with us:)

    • Thank you kindly, Jessi. It means a lot to hear from someone who appreciates our photographs and stories. Hope you come back and check out some of our other blog posts.

  • Gorgeous photos! You had many wonderful sightings that day.
    Thanks for sharing.

feedback welcome