~May Photo of the Month~

[amelanchier]

Sorry I'm scooping you, Sage, but I got one! (Actually, my wife took it.)

These are marsh marigolds (Caltha palustris) at Counterfeiter's Ledge in Newstead, NY. There were oceans of them!

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by amelanchier

There were oceans of them!

Impressive!


I don't think I've ever seen so many in one place.

[Sage]

I would do May if I can do it the way Dave did. I'll choose and the winner will be announced as quickly as possible. I will not be a contestant, and if I add pix, they won't be in the running. I like to "KISS it" (keep it simple)

Let me know, yes or no

~~~~~~

[Dave Stiles]

Originally Posted by Sage

I would do May if I can do it the way Dave did. I'll choose and the winner will be announced as quickly as possible. I will not be a contestant, and if I add pix, they won't be in the running. I like to "KISS it" (keep it simple)

Let me know, yes or no

~~~~~~

Now you know why I did it that way ... go for it Sage - I designate you as my May replacement judge. Go forth and "enjoy" it!!!

[Sage]

Okay, Dave! And I hope you're feeling a bit better especially with spring bringing forth new photo ops!

Now let's have lots of entries!

[Dave Stiles]

Originally Posted by Sage

Now let's have lots of entries!

Here's three for now ... leaves me room for one from this year

[havalotta]

Alright...We have a judge!
Nice kits Dave. What type of fox are they, the red?
I don't recall them being so dark.

I've been monitoring a few dens here myself.
I found a den within the forest two years ago. Last year they moved and created their den along the river. This year there's been a LOT of excavating going on in the previous denning area recently creating FOUR NEW ENTRIES!

Beautiful animal....

[Dave Stiles]

Originally Posted by havalotta

Nice kits Dave. What type of fox are they, the red? I don't recall them being so dark.

They're Red foxes, Vulpes vulpes - the male was dark phase, almost black. The female was a typical red. As you can see in the below images (not contest entries) the parent foxes were losing their winter coats...

[havalotta]

THAT'S why they are so dark!
Are the darks common there or is he a rarity?
I don't think we have the darks here.

[Dave Stiles]

Originally Posted by havalotta

THAT'S why they are so dark!
Are the darks common there or is he a rarity?

I've seen several dark phase red foxes, from up on Mount Rainier to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem - in North America, black foxes are relatively common, just harder to see when they're out hunting during dusk/dawn.