KANDAA'S SECRET
For a few weeks now, Kandaa the vixen and the only fox that takes
food by hand, has been acting most strangely. She appears in my garden
at the allotted feeding time and devours her food. Then, after our
Night Patrol around the combe, she invariably is waiting for me as So
Cruise and I return, some distance from my garden.
However,
I have recently observed her taking the food into the same field,
pausing to look back furtively at me to ensure she's not being followed
or observed.
Well, tonight I discovered Kandaa's
secret. The first clue was a young fox appearing in the lane in front
of us and immediately fleeing into a field. This in itself was unusual
as virtually every fox and badger know of our existence and habits.
Around
the corner, Kandaa was sitting, awaiting our return. She advanced and
gently took the piece of chicken from my hand, turned and entered the
usual field.
This time, I waited for a few seconds,
tethered So Cruise my collie cross, and entered the field with my head
torch turned off. Moments later and I heard the usual sounds of a
young fox calling for food.
It then dawned on me that
Kandaa was still taking food to one of her offspring but away from the
scrimmaging and fighting of the other first season foxes. A very
sensible choice as all the other mothers and aunties (vixens who care
for other cubs/young foxes other than their own) are constantly plagued
by foxes several months old who constantly beg and steal food rather
than forage themselves.
Kandaa, a beautiful and wise vixen ...
Friday, October 04, 2013
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