Laying on the dusty, thorny desert floor, I looked all around me for any signs of life. Nothing. Although I couldn’t see anything, I knew that just in front of me a rambunctious family of Foxes could emerge from the den at any moment. And so I waited, camera at the ready.

It wasn’t that late in the morning, but already the sun was hot and not a breeze stirred the air. These Foxes were wise to be hiding underground in their cool and shaded home. I guess that’s why they’re the masters of this environment and not me, the foolish human laying in the thorns, exposed to the yellow ball of fire in the sky.

Off in the distance I saw some movement. It was hard to see exactly what it was, but as it drew closer I quickly recognized it. Or should I say I quickly recognized him. Father Fox was coming home. I’d spent a lot of time with this particular Fox family over the years, and I knew what was about to happen. Getting my camera ready I waited, it would happen soon…

Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere the young Kit Foxes poured out of the den, filled with excitement at dads return. The feeling of joy and enthusiasm was almost palpable, easily recognizable on the faces of the young Foxes. These young Foxes loved their dad, and he returned the sentiment. 

Laying on the dusty, thorny desert floor, I looked on at this beautiful family of Foxes. They all seemed to be smiling, and so was I.