© 2009 The Elusive Pileated Woodpecker The Red Fox pups are growing up.  They are roaming around stalking different critters and playing in the woods.  This photo shows “Mom” on the left and 2 of the fox pups on the right.  Soon it will be time for the fox pups to venture off on their own.  The pups will usually leave around August or September to find a home of their own.  I’ll miss them, but maybe there will be another litter of Red Fox next year. One of the Red Fox pups looking at a Groundhog. The pup decides that the groundhog won’t make a good playmate.  Luckily, he (she) was taught well. Not the best choice to play with. The latest news on the family of Red Foxes. Ready............................................Stretch! Ready..............(not as dramatic).........Stretch! Stretch...............................................................Breath.....................................................Meditate........................ .............Run like the Wind............. It seems that two of the fox pups have gone.  I‘ve only seen 1 of them lately, one of the pups seems to have been trained by MOM to know where to come. The pup is a bit skiddish and unsure about being in the same space as I am, but she is trying.  We will be working on our relationship.  She likes to play, that’s a good start! How to clean a fox:  The fox cleans herself of thistle, burrs and debris.  She seems to follow a cleaning pattern.  This one seems to work well.  Start with the hard-to-reach back. Groom the sides till smooth. The right foot needs to be cleaned. The left foot needs to be cleaned. A little scratch on the left side. A little scratch on the right side. A long stretch with the toes pointed up. OK.  Now she’s ready to go. Even the critters take time out for stretching, relaxing and the fox looks like she is meditating. The Pileated Woodpecker is one of the largest woodpeckers in North America.  There has been a single one in the back woods for years.  Her call sounds like an exotic bird from the amazon.  For years I have been trying to connect to her and at least get a good picture.  Usually, I seemed to entertain her and get nothing but a good “laughing” out of her. This year she had a few babies and seemed to mellow out. I’ve been able to capture a few photos and take a peek into their lives.  Pileated Woodpeckers are a sight to behold. Their wingspan is over 2 feet with white on the bottom and black on top.  The most memorable thing about them, aside from their crow-like size, is their call.  It is a hauntingly beautiful song, or a bellowing laugh. Enjoy a few shots of the baby Pileated Woodpeckers! A new hawk has arrived, it’s a bit shy. I’m working on finding out about it. I do know that it likes the crow’s food! I’m glad it’s not going after my other friends.