In Search of Isbjørn.

[Dewi]

We moved cautiously down through the rocks and found two of the little Foxes just ahead of us.



One dropped below the rim while the other sneaked off behind a rock. We crept around the boulders and saw that the browner coloured one had joined it's paler sibling on a grassy ledge and was busy amusing itself with a stray feather.





The pale Fox took great interest in the feather, but made no move to try to snatch it away.







They were very relaxed in our presence and seemed to take a keen interest when anyone moved or made a sound, but were not afraid at all.



This was an exquisite sighting and everyone was enjoying watching the antics of the pair when this happened.



Behind us, the fog lifted and I was amazed at the scene that was unfolding behind us.





The colour difference is due to using two different cameras.

I then crept forward to get a closer look at the Foxes........

[Flutterby]

Just about the cutest pics ever!!

[Lisbeth]

The cubs are too cute for words

[Jillinflorida]

The fox photos - gorgeous! Are they youngsters? Well regardless of their age - absolutely adorable. Can't imagine being able to see that up close. Their antics - priceless.

What an amazing trip.

[Richprins]

If you can get leachy to post in big letters, and PRWIN to beg, you are onto something!

Sorry only back now, but lovely, DEWI!!!

No rush!

And where's the food?

[PRWIN]

what can I say, what a privilege to have seen I think and also such great shots, well done Dewi

How scarce are they ?

[Dewi]

Thank you Flutterby, Lisbeth, Jillinflorida, Richprins & PRWIN.

Fluts & Lis, they even had this tough and ruthless (or should that be rough and toothless?) builder oooing and aaahhing.

Jill, this years youngsters.

RP, I promise to do an all food episode for you before I finish.

PRWIN, there are no population estimates for the archipelago, but a study in one area of 900km² showed a density of 1 - 1.5 foxes per 10km², so they are relatively common.

[PRWIN]

Dewi anyway what a lovely creature to photograph.

This one is a humdinger

[Dewi]

Cheers PRWIN.

[Dewi]

The Foxes seemed relaxed and at ease. They were taking as much interest in us as we were in them.



The paler one decided to go and look for the other sibling and pottered about amongst the rocks, sniffing around. The browner one stayed put and relaxed. I crept closer and leant against a large boulder. This was amazing. The little Fox just san there posing nicely for us all.



Whenever one of us spoke in hushed tones, it would take an interest and look at you inquisitively.





Time to put the tongue filter on.



This one was so relaxed, it even lost interest and started to take an interest in things further away.



The other brownish sibling popped out for a brief look from amongst the rocks.



While the one on the ledge went back to playing with the feather.





Eventually he got up and stretched lethargically before settling down again and curling up.



What an experience this was. A real privelige to be able to see these animals so close up and still behaving naturally.

We left the Foxes to themselves and made our way back to the zodiac. Boarding the ship for the last time before we landed back in civilisation at Longyearbyen. As we sailed into Isfiorden, I managed to capture one slightly better photo of a Puffin for Lis.



Our last evening meal on board was a sumptuous affair with mouthwatering food..............