Stunning photography and a great video. After finding and photographing three fox cubs myself back in May I can also say it will be forever etched in my memory.
Brilliant Simon really do look forward to your videos never disappointed absolutely stunning photos your one lucky man with all the wildlife keep them coming looking forward to seeing otter video 😀
I can really appreciate your delight and wonder in photographing and watching the Foxes, I had a similar sighting but not from a great position where I could get a close shot but it still spurs me on to keep trying. Thanks for the video Simon.
Great video with superb photos. You only get that by putting in the hours, well done. ( Can't understand why anyone gives a "dislike" but leaves no comment)
Was nice to get the back story, I agree about the emotion, It's not the first time I've got teary just editing a picture such is the beauty of nature, that emotion must be even stronger when you've got something so innocent and unaware of the danger the world holds for it, I think your pictures captured that feeling beautifully and that's why I'd say these are my favourite pics of the year. Simply stunning, who could be bad to them.
It is such a refreshing feeling to know that another person shares the same emotions that I had when a fox mother trusted me enough to let me see her very young cubs in the forest near my home. One person commented that she obviously trusted me enough to turn her back to me because I was protecting her from predators. Later when she had moved her cubs I couldn't believe my eyes when she came up behind me and sat down for a second watching me before she trotted off. I didn't dare try to bring my camera up to my eyes, but just sat there enjoying the moment. The video is on YT if you would care to see it. Thank you for not being afraid to show your emotions. Joan
Exemplary insight once again on the effort needed to capture wildlife. Foxes, indeed all animals are beautiful creatures and your images always reinforce that. Your a top man Simon, just keep producing your quality vlogs. 👏
Really enjoyed this story, in fact best thing ive seen whilst in lockdown, they are great to watch, but here in Lincolnshire they are persecuted mericlessly, so i fully agree with keeping sightings to yourself, its the only way to help keep the so called shooters away from them, look forward to watching more of your stories...Cheers Steve.
Hi Simon with all the negative stuff spouted about foxes it was so nice to hear your story with some lovely images keep up the good work that you do and sharing it with us. Until next time take care my friend.
Thank you Clive. Yes they certainly have a raw deal these days. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and images. I get a lot from my photography so it great to know others appreciate it to. All the best.
Amazing 👌 I had some similar exercises a couple of years ago. Did stumble upon a bin in about midsummer and did experience some truly amazing moments with a family of four cubs. Probably my best wildlife experiences ever.
Hi Conny, thanks for leaving a comment and I'm very glad you had the opportunity to see these lovely animals in the wild. We should all fight for their protection. They are gorgeous creatures and wonderful to photograph. Real characters.
Thank you!. New to your channel . FOXES are amazing...this last summer I did the same as you. Sit and watch and I too got some amazing shots. You have a wonderful heart. Your images are awesome. I love to sit and watch and learn and respect.
Hi Michelle, thanks you for your comments and kind words. I'm really pleased you had a similar experience as I did and got some shots. They are wonderful animals and great to see them in the wild like this. Thanks again.
@@SimonWantling thank you for your reply. I would share with you but I don't have them on my phone. Please feel free to view on my face book page ...Michelle Stewart ..it will also be linked to Detail photography..there are two pages ..so interesting to watch because you really do learn about each and everyone's personalities. I would sit for hours outside their den and they would let me get within 2 ft of them. They do trust after you show no threat. Keep sharing your great work!.
@@michellestewart7494 thanks Michelle. I'll do that tonight. If you want to connect with me then you can do so through my website - www.simonwantling.co.uk . All the best.
fantastic shots i find foxes fantastic and i feel the same as you, Have filmed them in the past on many occasions and often wondered what happened to them as one time there was someone with a 22 rifle who slopped when he saw me!! They are hated in the country by shooters and of course are still hunted by hounds as i have been witness to just recently so its a uphill struggle for them to survive,.
Thanks for the comment and I never understand why anyone would want to shoot these. These were kept very secret as I know people that would have happily shot them.
They're absolutely beautiful and brilliantly captured by yourself, I do hope to follow a fox family this year as well, where I live we have a mixture of Urban foxes and Country foxes, both are not so easy to predict, but hopefully if I can get out early morning, late evening on my days off I will hopefully spot them.
So wonderful, Simon, that cub was so close he was probably looking at his own reflection! Magical images and lovely words about the tonic it is just to experience these things in person :0)
Hi Simon. I've been watching your vlogs for a few days now and have to say what amazing content you have and your experience and knowledge is amazing. I would like to know with all your experience, I only have very basic gear canon 2000d and a 75-300mm lens, obviously I don't have the reach you have but what could you recommend to get closer to the creatures? I've got a ghillie sheet coming and a camo jacket what else could you recommend? Please even if you have no answers to help please please keep up the vlogs. Great work 👏
Hi Luke, thanks for your comment and kind words on the vlogs. The best way to get close to the subjects is really what you're doing. Using a throw over hide / ghillie blanket is a good way plus the use of a pop up hide which you can get fairly cheaply. There is nothing better than understanding the subject and getting to know its habits. The more you spend with them the more they will accept you. It doesn't matter what focal length you have, you can't better getting as close as you can and filling the frame. I would say you're doing the right thing really. Hope that helps and thanks again.
@@SimonWantling thank you. I'm primarily a landscape photographer and want to get more in to wildlife but set myself that level of standard that I'd be happy with and I struggle with such a short lens, I guess just stay low, quite and hidden is the only way really. Keep up the amazing work and look forward to your upcoming videos. What's your latest project/plan?
What Great Channel My Friend We A So Lucky Got Great Wildlife in UK Great Photography My Family, I Wish You and Family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 👍 Scott from Glasgow
Thank you Scott. That's very kind of you to say. You're from a lovely part of the country and I spend as much time as I can photographing in Scotland. Thanks again.
Hi Simon, I came across your channel 4 to 5 weeks ago and love it. I can fully understand how you feel about your fox cub experience as I have had one of my own and it has been over 10 years ago since it happened and it has stayed with me ever since. I have followed families of Tawny Owls for nearly 15 years now in an annexe to our local park. One year I came across the owlets and as I was on a long holiday from work at the time, managed to go and watch them nearly every evening. Eventually they got used to me and started to come quite close. Once they had spotted me, they would fly towards me and perch on a branch only 6 to 8 feet away. My Mrs used to say it was rubbish that they were getting used to me but it was fact because when people came near, the owlets flew away and then would come back to me once they were out of sight. I was always mindful not to disturb or feed them and kept my distance when the female was calling them when she had food. I used to have a very stressful job and going to see the owlets was very relaxing. The adults produce chicks every year and I go and keep an eye on them but none of the visits since compare to that year. It's a shame I wasn't into photography back then, I would have got some great images. Keep up the good work and I really enjoy watching your channel.
Hi Gary, thanks so much for finding my channel and taking the time to comment and share your amazing story. Owls are my favourite subject to photograph and your experience sounds wonderful. They are full of character which can really cone across when you spend a lot of time watching and photographing them. Thanks again and all the best..
What an absolutely stunning channel being a wildlife photographer myself I know exactly where your coming from .getting out with nature is so relaxing and calming and it's all free keep up the excellent work ;)
Hi Paul. That's very kind of you to say. I'm glad you like the videos and images and I hope you manage to get out in nature and capture some images yourself. I'm glad to help. Thanks.
Thanks Andy. Really appreciate the comment. Yes, I did manage to back this year but the foxes weren't there this year. I've had fleeting glimpse of fox cubs but not really managed to get on them to photograph. Hopefully next year I will continue the fox story.
Well, thank goodness there are people like you around, there are too many nasty people who wish to do harm to foxes.... well done Simon...... fantastic images too!! 👍😎👍
Thank you very much Paul. I'll never understand how people can harm these animals. As you can see from the images, they are so innocent at that age. Wonderful animals. Thanks for watching..
Excellent Simon and what beautiful foxes :-) I can imagine how great it is to just sit and watch them without having your camera. But the thought of not having my camera and missing something :-D but I do find I feel a bit disconnected when seeing everything through the lens. And sometimes I force myself to just stop and watch and enjoy the wildlife :-) Loving your videos keep them coming :-)
Hello Simon, I had a similar experience with some fox Cubs last year. A vixen was killed by a car on a lane near my home. A week or so later I was driving along the lane when I saw a cub jump into the hedgerow so I took a walk up there later in the evening. To my surprise, the cub was sat in the lane near a gateway. I stopped and grabbed a couple of images then took a few steps closer and took another shot. The cub was quite bold and it was amazing just how close I got before it walked off into the field. It turned out there was a litter of 4 cubs. I decided to give them a bit of help by dropping off some extra rations for them, roadkill and whatever natural food I could get. I would go up there nearly every evening and just sit in the hedgerow with a camera. As with the cubs in your tale there was one extra bold one and that one allowed me to take many images but the main enjoyment was actually just spending the time in such close proximity. Bear in mind that I didn't use a hide but was sat in plain sight on a little stool with a tripod in front of me. I guess I could have got some better images had I used a hide ( maybe more interaction between the other shyer cubs) but in this instance a hide may well have drawn unwelcome attention to their presence, so I decided not to. A wonderful time which fortunately coincided with a spell of beautiful summer weather which combined to emblazon fantastic memories in my mind.
Wonderful story and thanks for sharing it here. Sad about the vixen but sounds like you kept an eye on them. You're probably right about the hide drawing attention. I'm lucky in that I generally do the majority of my photography work on private land so not so obvious. Thanks
Hi William, sure I'm using a combination of the Canon M50 for the bulk of the footage but also plan to use the Fujifilm XT3 for some upcoming footage as that is fantastic for video. I have also used the Canon 1DX Mark II which is great video quality but a beast to hold out in front of you. The M50 is great though and a very popular vlogging camera. It has in body stabilisation also which helps. Cheers.
Thanks a lot Andy. They are wonderful animals. I'm glad you've messaged. I'm not sure if you realised but your comment name was selected in my print giveaway video sometime ago. It was of the short eared owl. Do you remember? Anyway, if you want to drop me your address through my website then I'll send it off to you. I'm assuming you're based in the UK?
Awesome and emotional story Simon. The images are stunning. I was lucky to have one of those brief encounters with a fox earlier in the year and fully understand your feelings. That question someone asked “how do you find the wildlife?” Well to me the answer is you don’t, they find you. Cheers Keith
Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment. It was a wonderful time with them. I'm glad you managed to have a similar experience..
Amazing images of these absolutely stunning creatures! Great story! I've tried this a couple of times myself, with a hide and with the wind in consideration. But the adults sensed me and started barking, so I really felt that I was disturbing them and decided to leave them alone. How did the adults react to you? And how far away were you from the den (maybe you mentioned it in the video, so forgive me if I missed it)?
Hi Marie, thanks very much for your message and agree they are stunning animals. There was no reaction from the adults. As mentioned, I set the hide up well in advance of me being present and always went in way before they showed and left after dark. The only reaction I had was from the cubs curious about the shutter noise which shows in the images. Did you get any images yourself?
Hi Simon love the vlogs, I like you have been thinking of making some vlogs recently. My passion is kingfishers but love photographing all manner of wildlife. It would be beneficial to know what camera you are using for vlogging and what program you are using for your editing. Looking forward to your next edition Kindest regards Neil.
Hi Neil, thanks for the comment and glad you like them. Sure, I'm using a combination of either the Canon M50 or Fuji XT3. They are both manageable to hold out. I have on occasion used the 1DX Mark II but that's a beast and does your arm in after a while. Processing wise I'm using Adobe Premiere Pro CC. Looking forward to seeing your videos. Cheers
Hi Simon, really enjoyed your video about the foxes. I'm going tomorrow to try and capture the activity of a den some miles from where I live. I have a hide and a full frame Nikon d610 with 150mm -500mm lens. Looking forward to having a bash at this. Will let you know if I'm successful. Stay Safe 👍🏻
Thanks very much. Hope you manage to get some images of the Foxes. I'm just waiting for the lockdown to be eased and then I'll hopefully head back to the den I found last year.
A fine vid Simon, I can relate to the emotion felt when the cubs start to leave the den area..I can't wait for the 'new batch ' to hopefully arrive next spring .Carry on producing great video, very much appreciated. Ted.. Nottingham. www.flickr.com/photos/114829917@N08/
I was raised on a sheep farm and foxes regularly kill between 20-30 lambs per annum. The damage to the business is substantial and foxes therefore must be controlled.
Fantastic 👏 a memory that will last forever
Thanks Mark. All the best.
Awesome fox cub photos. Thoroughly enjoyed looking.
Thank you very much..
Best uk wildlife channel on youtube in my opinion,well done.
Hi Keith, thanks very much for your kind comments - I really appreciate it. All the best.
Beautiful images.. Beautiful animals.. really well done
Hi Noel, thank you very much for the comment and glad you like the video and images. All the best..
Beautiful story. Big thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing that wonderful experience with the Fox cubs
Thanks Steve. Glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful images and inspirational video, thank you we enjoyed it alot!
Fabulous pictures Simon beautiful creatures well done
Thank you very much.
Your last little piece to camera about getting out there is so true. Beautiful captures of the foxes.
Thanks Nigel. Glad you enjoyed the video. I hope to bring proper footage of them this year.
Stunning photography and a great video. After finding and photographing three fox cubs myself back in May I can also say it will be forever etched in my memory.
Thanks Kevin and glad you photographed some yourself. They are awesome
Brilliant video. Beautiful photos many thanks Simon for sharing.
Great video and beautiful photos. But I can see it was ten times more amazing for you being there!
Thanks Andrew. Yes being there was amazing.
I love your photos, thanks for sharing them!
Wow , your story touch my fillings 😍, well done
Thank you.
Couldn't agree more Simon. Stunning photo's again. Thank you.
Thanks Lee..
Beautiful animals
Brilliant Simon really do look forward to your videos never disappointed absolutely stunning photos your one lucky man with all the wildlife keep them coming looking forward to seeing otter video 😀
Love the shots. Great job. I have encountered youngsters and he just posed for me. Wonderful!
Jim
I can really appreciate your delight and wonder in photographing and watching the Foxes, I had a similar sighting but not from a great position where I could get a close shot but it still spurs me on to keep trying. Thanks for the video Simon.
Thank you very much. Hopefully you'll get another chance this year.. all the best..
What an amazing set of images 😍
Thank you Ruben 👍
Awesome work, images to die for.
Thank you Dale...
Lovely video Simon..Thanks for sharing :)
Thank you Alan..
Lovely story of what must have been a fantastic encounter - thanks for sharing 😀
Thank you Geoff. That's very kind of you.
Excellent work and stunning photos 😁😁
Great video with superb photos. You only get that by putting in the hours, well done. ( Can't understand why anyone gives a "dislike" but leaves no comment)
Thanks Vanessa. Really glad you like it. Yes, I never understand the dislikes - very demotivating but you just have to rise above it..
Beautiful images Simon.
Thank you..
Great vlog Simon with wonderful images, thanks for sharing your experience, cheers Dave...
Thanks David. Glad you enjoyed it.
Stunning images of a wonderful animal.
Thank you Kemaro. Really appreciate it..
Was nice to get the back story, I agree about the emotion, It's not the first time I've got teary just editing a picture such is the beauty of nature, that emotion must be even stronger when you've got something so innocent and unaware of the danger the world holds for it, I think your pictures captured that feeling beautifully and that's why I'd say these are my favourite pics of the year. Simply stunning, who could be bad to them.
Thanks Ripley and glad you like the story behind the images. I plan to do others in the future.
@@SimonWantling looking forward to them Simon 👍
It is such a refreshing feeling to know that another person shares the same emotions that I had when a fox mother trusted me enough to let me see her very young cubs in the forest near my home. One person commented that she obviously trusted me enough to turn her back to me because I was protecting her from predators.
Later when she had moved her cubs I couldn't believe my eyes when she came up behind me and sat down for a second watching me before she trotted off. I didn't dare try to bring my camera up to my eyes, but just sat there enjoying the moment. The video is on YT if you would care to see it. Thank you for not being afraid to show your emotions.
Joan
Thanks Joan and what a great story. Foxes are truly wonderful animals so I hope to catch up with them again next year.
All the best
Simon
@@SimonWantling
Hello Simon. I'm really glad I found your channel. I see I am in store for a lot of wonderful videos.
Joan
Exemplary insight once again on the effort needed to capture wildlife. Foxes, indeed all animals are beautiful creatures and your images always reinforce that. Your a top man Simon, just keep producing your quality vlogs. 👏
Thanks very much Nigel. When I get comments like this it makes it all worth while. Thanks for taking the time to comment. All the best..
I know the feeling you nicely explained. I met a small fox family last year. I have a pic of one of the cubs on my Instagram. Incredible feeling!
Very glad you had the privilege to photograph a small fox family. They are amazing. All the best..
Outstanding photography - your love and passion for wildlife comes over in spades
Thank you Patrick - really kind of you to say..
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience, Simon. 👍🏻
Thanks Steve - glad you enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed this story, in fact best thing ive seen whilst in lockdown, they are great to watch, but here in Lincolnshire they are persecuted mericlessly, so i fully agree with keeping sightings to yourself, its the only way to help keep the so called shooters away from them, look forward to watching more of your stories...Cheers Steve.
Hi Simon with all the negative stuff spouted about foxes it was so nice to hear your story with some lovely images keep up the good work that you do and sharing it with us. Until next time take care my friend.
Thank you Clive. Yes they certainly have a raw deal these days. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and images. I get a lot from my photography so it great to know others appreciate it to. All the best.
Stunning images.
I can totally agree with you. I had the same privaladge this year..
Thanks Craig. Hopefully next year they will return.
Wonderful shots. Such an amazing experience, thanks so much for sharing it. Greetings from Australia
Thanks Ruben.
Amazing 👌
I had some similar exercises a couple of years ago.
Did stumble upon a bin in about midsummer and did experience some truly amazing moments with a family of four cubs. Probably my best wildlife experiences ever.
Hi Conny, thanks for leaving a comment and I'm very glad you had the opportunity to see these lovely animals in the wild. We should all fight for their protection. They are gorgeous creatures and wonderful to photograph. Real characters.
Simply stunning Simon! One of my favourite animals to photograph and I'm itching to get out there and photograph them properly!
Thanks very much and good luck with your photography..
@@SimonWantling thank you!
Thank you!. New to your channel . FOXES are amazing...this last summer I did the same as you. Sit and watch and I too got some amazing shots. You have a wonderful heart. Your images are awesome. I love to sit and watch and learn and respect.
Hi Michelle, thanks you for your comments and kind words. I'm really pleased you had a similar experience as I did and got some shots. They are wonderful animals and great to see them in the wild like this. Thanks again.
@@SimonWantling thank you for your reply. I would share with you but I don't have them on my phone. Please feel free to view on my face book page ...Michelle Stewart ..it will also be linked to Detail photography..there are two pages ..so interesting to watch because you really do learn about each and everyone's personalities. I would sit for hours outside their den and they would let me get within 2 ft of them. They do trust after you show no threat. Keep sharing your great work!.
@@michellestewart7494 thanks Michelle. I'll do that tonight. If you want to connect with me then you can do so through my website - www.simonwantling.co.uk . All the best.
Stunning images, Simon! These are the moments you know you're doing the right stuff by being out in nature.
Thanks Sebastian. I know. It was amazing.
fantastic shots i find foxes fantastic and i feel the same as you, Have filmed them in the past on many occasions and often wondered what happened to them as one time there was someone with a 22 rifle who slopped when he saw me!! They are hated in the country by shooters and of course are still hunted by hounds as i have been witness to just recently so its a uphill struggle for them to survive,.
Thanks for the comment and I never understand why anyone would want to shoot these. These were kept very secret as I know people that would have happily shot them.
What an amazing post with stunning photos Simon. Well done.
Thank you Kevin. All the best..
So pleased to have found this channel!
Thanks for a great video 👍🏻
Thank you Victoria. Great that you've found it.
Such a great story of persistence and dedication - awesome image, Simon.
Thank you Miguel. I'm really glad you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. All the best..
They're absolutely beautiful and brilliantly captured by yourself, I do hope to follow a fox family this year as well, where I live we have a mixture of Urban foxes and Country foxes, both are not so easy to predict, but hopefully if I can get out early morning, late evening on my days off I will hopefully spot them.
So wonderful, Simon, that cub was so close he was probably looking at his own reflection! Magical images and lovely words about the tonic it is just to experience these things in person :0)
Cheers Martin. You're probably right about the reflection. Glad you liked the video.
Stunning images as always Simon and a lovely back story too, must make all the hard work worthwhile.
Thanks very much Pete. Really appreciate the comments.
Hi Simon. I've been watching your vlogs for a few days now and have to say what amazing content you have and your experience and knowledge is amazing. I would like to know with all your experience, I only have very basic gear canon 2000d and a 75-300mm lens, obviously I don't have the reach you have but what could you recommend to get closer to the creatures? I've got a ghillie sheet coming and a camo jacket what else could you recommend?
Please even if you have no answers to help please please keep up the vlogs. Great work 👏
Hi Luke, thanks for your comment and kind words on the vlogs. The best way to get close to the subjects is really what you're doing. Using a throw over hide / ghillie blanket is a good way plus the use of a pop up hide which you can get fairly cheaply. There is nothing better than understanding the subject and getting to know its habits. The more you spend with them the more they will accept you. It doesn't matter what focal length you have, you can't better getting as close as you can and filling the frame. I would say you're doing the right thing really. Hope that helps and thanks again.
@@SimonWantling thank you. I'm primarily a landscape photographer and want to get more in to wildlife but set myself that level of standard that I'd be happy with and I struggle with such a short lens, I guess just stay low, quite and hidden is the only way really. Keep up the amazing work and look forward to your upcoming videos. What's your latest project/plan?
What Great Channel My Friend We A So Lucky Got Great Wildlife in UK Great Photography My Family, I Wish You and Family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 👍 Scott from Glasgow
Thank you Scott. That's very kind of you to say. You're from a lovely part of the country and I spend as much time as I can photographing in Scotland. Thanks again.
@@SimonWantling
Oh Wow, That No Problem My Friend It is Great Channel. Really Miserable Weather
Hi Simon, I came across your channel 4 to 5 weeks ago and love it. I can fully understand how you feel about your fox cub experience as I have had one of my own and it has been over 10 years ago since it happened and it has stayed with me ever since. I have followed families of Tawny Owls for nearly 15 years now in an annexe to our local park. One year I came across the owlets and as I was on a long holiday from work at the time, managed to go and watch them nearly every evening. Eventually they got used to me and started to come quite close. Once they had spotted me, they would fly towards me and perch on a branch only 6 to 8 feet away. My Mrs used to say it was rubbish that they were getting used to me but it was fact because when people came near, the owlets flew away and then would come back to me once they were out of sight. I was always mindful not to disturb or feed them and kept my distance when the female was calling them when she had food. I used to have a very stressful job and going to see the owlets was very relaxing. The adults produce chicks every year and I go and keep an eye on them but none of the visits since compare to that year. It's a shame I wasn't into photography back then, I would have got some great images. Keep up the good work and I really enjoy watching your channel.
Hi Gary, thanks so much for finding my channel and taking the time to comment and share your amazing story. Owls are my favourite subject to photograph and your experience sounds wonderful. They are full of character which can really cone across when you spend a lot of time watching and photographing them. Thanks again and all the best..
Stunning images! I'd love to take such images too. It is just amazing to be out there and share those moments with the animals. :)
Thank you very much. Really pleased you like them.
What an absolutely stunning channel being a wildlife photographer myself I know exactly where your coming from .getting out with nature is so relaxing and calming and it's all free keep up the excellent work ;)
Thanks a lot Andy. I really appreciate that.
I’ve recently started to follow you on your channel, great work Simon, you inspire me to get out more. Thanks for sharing your superb images.
Hi Paul. That's very kind of you to say. I'm glad you like the videos and images and I hope you manage to get out in nature and capture some images yourself. I'm glad to help. Thanks.
Fantastic images and video Simon... Did you manage to get back this year with all that’s going on and all? All the best.
Thanks Andy. Really appreciate the comment. Yes, I did manage to back this year but the foxes weren't there this year. I've had fleeting glimpse of fox cubs but not really managed to get on them to photograph. Hopefully next year I will continue the fox story.
Well, thank goodness there are people like you around, there are too many nasty people who wish to do harm to foxes.... well done Simon...... fantastic images too!! 👍😎👍
Thank you very much Paul. I'll never understand how people can harm these animals. As you can see from the images, they are so innocent at that age. Wonderful animals. Thanks for watching..
Excellent Simon and what beautiful foxes :-) I can imagine how great it is to just sit and watch them without having your camera. But the thought of not having my camera and missing something :-D but I do find I feel a bit disconnected when seeing everything through the lens. And sometimes I force myself to just stop and watch and enjoy the wildlife :-)
Loving your videos keep them coming :-)
Thanks Jamie.
Stunning images, that full frame portrait is absolutely stunning, great work! Just out of interest what length lens were your shooting on? Cheers
Thanks Alex. I use the Canon 600mm f/4 IS Mark II lens and the 1DX Mark II
Hello Simon, I had a similar experience with some fox Cubs last year. A vixen was killed by a car on a lane near my home. A week or so later I was driving along the lane when I saw a cub jump into the hedgerow so I took a walk up there later in the evening. To my surprise, the cub was sat in the lane near a gateway. I stopped and grabbed a couple of images then took a few steps closer and took another shot. The cub was quite bold and it was amazing just how close I got before it walked off into the field. It turned out there was a litter of 4 cubs.
I decided to give them a bit of help by dropping off some extra rations for them, roadkill and whatever natural food I could get. I would go up there nearly every evening and just sit in the hedgerow with a camera. As with the cubs in your tale there was one extra bold one and that one allowed me to take many images but the main enjoyment was actually just spending the time in such close proximity. Bear in mind that I didn't use a hide but was sat in plain sight on a little stool with a tripod in front of me. I guess I could have got some better images had I used a hide ( maybe more interaction between the other shyer cubs) but in this instance a hide may well have drawn unwelcome attention to their presence, so I decided not to. A wonderful time which fortunately coincided with a spell of beautiful summer weather which combined to emblazon fantastic memories in my mind.
Wonderful story and thanks for sharing it here. Sad about the vixen but sounds like you kept an eye on them. You're probably right about the hide drawing attention. I'm lucky in that I generally do the majority of my photography work on private land so not so obvious. Thanks
nice story Robert
Simon I'd like to ask what gear you're using to vlog and create your videos. Thanks
Hi William, sure I'm using a combination of the Canon M50 for the bulk of the footage but also plan to use the Fujifilm XT3 for some upcoming footage as that is fantastic for video. I have also used the Canon 1DX Mark II which is great video quality but a beast to hold out in front of you. The M50 is great though and a very popular vlogging camera. It has in body stabilisation also which helps. Cheers.
Absolutely stunning images Simon and a lovely video to explain the story - I have wanted to find some foxes to photograph for ages, Im jealous !! :)
Thanks a lot Andy. They are wonderful animals. I'm glad you've messaged. I'm not sure if you realised but your comment name was selected in my print giveaway video sometime ago. It was of the short eared owl. Do you remember? Anyway, if you want to drop me your address through my website then I'll send it off to you. I'm assuming you're based in the UK?
@@SimonWantling oh wow thats fantastic ! Id completely missed that ! Thank you so much Simon !
@@andyswinden2048 no problem at all. Just got your details through so will ship that off to you asap. Should be with you early next week. Thanks
@@SimonWantling Thank you - really appreciate it - will let you know when it arrives.
@@andyswinden2048 your image was sent Andy so hope you receive it soon..
Awesome and emotional story Simon. The images are stunning. I was lucky to have one of those brief encounters with a fox earlier in the year and fully understand your feelings. That question someone asked “how do you find the wildlife?” Well to me the answer is you don’t, they find you. Cheers Keith
Thank you very much for watching and taking the time to comment. It was a wonderful time with them. I'm glad you managed to have a similar experience..
Was going to ask you about these shots so thanks for the video. When the weather is good are you pretty much out daily?
Thanks a lot and glad you enjoyed it. Yes, the weather has been extremely bad lately but when it's not as bad as it has been then I'm out.
Amazing images of these absolutely stunning creatures! Great story!
I've tried this a couple of times myself, with a hide and with the wind in consideration. But the adults sensed me and started barking, so I really felt that I was disturbing them and decided to leave them alone. How did the adults react to you? And how far away were you from the den (maybe you mentioned it in the video, so forgive me if I missed it)?
Hi Marie, thanks very much for your message and agree they are stunning animals. There was no reaction from the adults. As mentioned, I set the hide up well in advance of me being present and always went in way before they showed and left after dark. The only reaction I had was from the cubs curious about the shutter noise which shows in the images. Did you get any images yourself?
That,s awesome Simon super pic,s .Are you on instagram ?
Thanks Peter. Yes I'm on Instagram under simonwantlingphotography, my website is www.simonwantling.co.uk
Hi Simon love the vlogs, I like you have been thinking of making some vlogs recently.
My passion is kingfishers but love photographing all manner of wildlife.
It would be beneficial to know what camera you are using for vlogging and what program you are using for your editing.
Looking forward to your next edition
Kindest regards
Neil.
Hi Neil, thanks for the comment and glad you like them. Sure, I'm using a combination of either the Canon M50 or Fuji XT3. They are both manageable to hold out. I have on occasion used the 1DX Mark II but that's a beast and does your arm in after a while. Processing wise I'm using Adobe Premiere Pro CC. Looking forward to seeing your videos. Cheers
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Hi Simon, really enjoyed your video about the foxes. I'm going tomorrow to try and capture the activity of a den some miles from where I live. I have a hide and a full frame Nikon d610 with 150mm -500mm lens. Looking forward to having a bash at this. Will let you know if I'm successful. Stay Safe 👍🏻
Thanks very much. Hope you manage to get some images of the Foxes. I'm just waiting for the lockdown to be eased and then I'll hopefully head back to the den I found last year.
Hi Simon,
I really love your videos. If you would ever come to india, i would really like to join you
A fine vid Simon, I can relate to the emotion felt when the cubs start to leave the den area..I can't wait for the 'new batch ' to hopefully arrive next spring .Carry on producing great video, very much appreciated. Ted.. Nottingham. www.flickr.com/photos/114829917@N08/
I was raised on a sheep farm and foxes regularly kill between 20-30 lambs per annum. The damage to the business is substantial and foxes therefore must be controlled.
Are you in a WMA (Wildlife Management Area) public property?