75 Comments
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Debbie Stanley's avatar

What a lovely roam. I followed along on a map of New Jersey as I read this, and took a few detours to read about Superfund sites and listen to red fox sounds compared to coyote sounds (more common where I am). Reading this felt like a field trip. Thank you!

Helen's avatar

Our favorite sign at IBSP for decades - do not feed the fox! Loved your shots of the kits from the start!

Karen's avatar

I lived on 3 acres for a dozen years. We had foxes, but they were wary and I never got a good picture. My favorite thing was the great horned owls hooting call and response to each other across a field. Now that I live in town again I am happy to say there are owls here, too.

I’m enjoying your writing and photography.

Gypsiechick's avatar

Love your writing style and a surprised chuckle from this line❤️ “Look like a gerrymandered congressional map...” Keep on keepin’ on! 💥

Callie Keating So. Cal Girl's avatar

Loved the story! HOARSE WHISPERER you are a terrific writer.

Diana Lane's avatar

Loved this.

Unfortunately, my credit card is being declined by substack, even though I have verified with my bank that the card is fine. I'm not sure how to address this situation. Thanks, Diana Lane

Joan Cotta's avatar

Mike thank you for this joyful Fox piece! The pictures are wonderful. Where I live we have lots of bald eagles. Me famous breeding pair is named Ricky and Lucy and they hatch young every year

Take care and keep writing

Val Meyers's avatar

Thank you. I love the pics of the foxes. I have deer, opossums. and raccoons in my woodsy suburban neighborhood, but I have never seen foxes. The point you make is the same. I am in a subdivision that is one street away from a small nature preserve, and yet the wildlife has made a home here and have become part of my life.

Sílvia's avatar

Nice article.

We all adapt and survive. 🙂

Love the foxes pics. Have never seen one live. Not much wildlife here, apart from birds and those in the ocean.

Cynthia Watson's avatar

Absolutely love this. My husband is from Jersey so we go once in a while. This describes areas I have passed on the Turnpike but never explore. Thank you

Jo's avatar

Beautiful two parter! I love the Swamp and appreciate you sharing her beauty with us. I have had the privilege of hearing the startling fox cry on pre-dawn walks. It chills the soul.

Christie's avatar

There’s a wonderful children’s book right here in these pix!

Then it hints at a post-apocalypse fantasy story.

And the first shot made me stop and take a deep, calming breath, so maybe a little meditation piece…

PokJean's avatar

So captivating! I feel like I am right there witnessing the scene right beside you.

Susi Ansujali's avatar

“Even in the aftermath of great injury, nature adapts and overcomes and survives.”

I think this describes *you* to a T.

So, yes, definitely a metaphor in there.

PS: love the article. And those photos, even though you’ve posted them before... Still taking my breath away. Damn, you’re good.

But what else is new? 😄