michal.narozny
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Our dream and challenge for 2025 was to photograph foxes, specifically fox kits. The fact that foxes live in our area is nothing new for us. We'd seen them while walking through the forest or on our camera traps. But tracking down and photographing young foxes is a whole different ballgame.
The biggest challenge was that while we can recognize badger dens without fail, fox dens were a much greater challenge for us. Not only are they not permanent residents, but they also occupy them relatively late. We knew of a few places where they could potentially have young, found a few more, and we even knew of two places where young had been in previous years. But those were abandoned both last season and this one. We couldn't wait, so in March, we started combing the forest, setting up camera traps, and collecting data from them.
The funny thing this year was that in Gdańsk, in a city park, young foxes appeared outside their den at the beginning of March. At the same time, our observations showed that the forest foxes hadn't even been born yet, and we were still looking for the right place.
Throughout March, we checked about 10 potentially interesting locations. Unfortunately, nothing came of it. April had already started, and we still hadn't pinpointed a location. But luck favours the persistent. The new and final location turned out to be a bull's-eye. We managed to record a pair of foxes taking turns at the den, and even the male bringing food. This had to be the place. As it turned out later, it actually was.
Of course, we didn't start taking photos from the beginning of our observations; we were too afraid of scaring the foxes off. The camera traps hung for longer than usual, and we checked them much less frequently. We also hung a live-streaming camera trap. Unfortunately, if it records video, which is best for observing new places, the camera trap uses up the battery very quickly. So sometimes it was dead, and only the second backup camera trap, which only took very low-quality photos, was recording data.
Along the way, there were moments of doubt – the vixen moved her young. Was it our fault? We doubt it. We also didn't notice any very intense human traffic around the den. The foxes moved quite a short distance. Interestingly, at a later time, the young fox kits used both dens simultaneously. The one they were born in and the new one they were moved to. We saw them running back and forth from one den to the other. Perhaps it was a sanitary issue. A wolf also sporadically roamed the area.
We waited to take photos until the fox kits started appearing outside the den during the day and in the absence of their parents. It turned out that we could only take pictures at sunset. The fox kits were active almost all night, and approaching them before dawn was impossible. Accessing the camouflage nets around the den was only possible before the little ones started their evening frolics. Leaving the den, however, had to be quick and certain when they took a short break before their nighttime games. Our visual and olfactory camouflage was probably good enough. The foxes, using both dens, grew big enough to leave them at the end of May. Out of a litter of 7 kits, at least 4 definitely left the den. This area is also frequented by people with dogs off-leash, a raccoon dog is present, and a wolf occasionally appeared – so that's probably not a bad result.
We were taking pictures from behind pre-prepared camouflage nets. The animals, moving around the area, had a chance to get used to a new element in their surroundings. At first, we were completely covered. Later, we were a bit more relaxed, uncovered from the back with, net at the front, but still fully camouflaged. Cameras were set on a tripod with gimbal to minimize any movement. Just as important as blending into the surroundings was masking our scent. Our clothes were washed appropriately, and we only bathed with water, washing off any perfumes. Additionally, we used special hunting scent eliminators. Was this overkill? Maybe, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
These were definitely experiences we will remember. It's also a form of nature photography that gives us the most joy, satisfaction, and experience. From the beginnings without a camera, searching the forest, through setting up camera traps, to taking photos and saying goodbye to the grown-up kits. That's the full package.
And as for the photos – we hope you like them.
Wanda and Michal
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Few behind the scenes shots:
Wanda
Michal
What happens under the net stays under the net
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