This fall while spending time at the family cottage we had the incredible pleasure of meeting and getting to know a spunky little red fox we named “Robin the Red”.

The cottage is on a large island and not far from heavily forested mainland so we assume Robin trotted over last winter on the ice and was left behind during the spring thaw.

My husband and I had glimpsed him occasionally over the summer but always from a distance and never near the house. But mid September, while enjoying our coffee one morning, we were startled by someone peeking in the front window at us!

At first his boldness was concerning but he looked quite healthy and happy – and very curious! When I stepped out onto our screened-in porch to speak with him, he came straight towards me, keeping his head low.

I was glad to have the screen between us and then I quickly realized it was my white furry slippers he was staring at – maybe thinking they were a rabbit!

After assuring him they were not, he quickly lost interest in me and took off into the forest. I managed to get a few photos and a video before he disappeared – my thinking was he didn’t find food so likely wouldn’t return.

Two days later we were awoken by chipmunks squawking loudly outside, I looked out to find Robin sitting patiently on our back deck. When he heard us moving around inside, he trotted around to the front window and sat watching us for a bit before moving on.

And soon a pattern developed – the chipmunks would alert us to Robin’s arrival, he would show up, hang out, then move along.

When Robin was around we went about our outside chores and activities as normal. Occasionally he would sit watching or sometimes he would nap on a rock nearby. He loved the morning sunshine on our back deck and the top step soon became his favorite spot.

Some days I would sit with him reading my book while he slept. He soon started staying a little longer, showing up more often – maybe happy for some company? He seemed to understand his name and sure enjoyed being praised! ❤️

When family came one weekend to visit, he emerged from the forest and trotted down the dock, as if to welcome them. Perhaps he thought some food was finally being delivered!

One time he was hunting behind the boathouse and came up with something very wiggly! He took it a little ways into the bush to eat but we soon heard him choking! We could see his little body shaking with each gagging cough – it was so hard to watch! We stood by and realized that if he passed out, we’d have seconds to try and dislodge his food but luckily he was able to get it back up.

I don’t know if that was typical fox behavior or if he really was having a problem. But I do know it’s never a good idea to interfere with Mother Nature unless there are no alternatives.

Another morning I awoke to find our resident Ruffed Grouse perched on the deck handrail – I found it quite strange as he rarely leaves the forest ground cover. But it didn’t take me long to figure out what had driven him there – the guilty look on Robin’s face said it all!

After a few weeks of Robin making regular visits, always curious and incredibly cute, we became quite comfortable with one another. And so I decided to do a photo shoot to record just what a day in the life of a red fox looks like!

Thinking it would be worse than herding cats, I was pleasantly surprised that it went better than expected! Robin loved the camera and posing, I feel that I captured his spunky adorable persona and we both had some fun! ❤️ And although he got a little sleepy at the end, he still gave me one final chin up!

Here’s how the day went:

First I have to wake Robin and that’s never easy! He naps often and loves the safety of our back deck for his “curl ups” as we call them! ❤️

A little coaxing and I get the sleepy eyed “why did you wake me” look. 😩 I guess when you’re a busy fox, naps are pretty important!

Once he realizes I want to do a photo shoot he quickly becomes alert, certain his cuteness will make him a star!

First he needs to get in a few yoga poses to limber up his little body – the “downward fox” being his favorite!

By this time I’m beginning to get a little impatient so I gently shoo him off the deck and into the surrounding forest for a few photos.

“Ok, I’m up already, let’s do this!

His enthusiasm is promising!

Once we get started I quickly realize Robin knows just how cute he is and is actually enjoying the attention, or so it appears!

“Be sure to get my best side!”

“Now my other best side!”

“My serious side”

“You just wanna hug me, don’t ya!”

“Whoops, maybe not now – I need a good scratch!”

“I’m starting to get a bit sleepy”

“So, so sleepy….I must lie down”

“Ok, one last chin up and that’s a wrap, I need a nap!”

The day was a complete success and I was able to capture some beautiful photos of “Robin the Red”.

Over the next few weeks we watched Robin’s coat grow thicker and as the days became shorter, so too did Robin’s visits. I like to think he was busy caching food, maybe digging his den deeper in preparation for winter.

We soon found it time to depart the island for the season, sad to say goodbye to Robin and a bit concerned about how he will survive the winter.

The morning of departure we were busy loading up the boat and sadly Robin was nowhere to be seen.

But just as we were ready to release the lines and pull off the dock, there he was! The sound of the boat starting up must have alerted him and Robin loves action. He came trotting out of the forest and sat watching us for a bit, ears pricked, trying to figure out what was happening.

We looked at him as he watched – me teary eyed as we waved and said goodbye to our little woodland friend.

It will be 6 months before we are able to return.

Over the decades we’ve had many types of wildlife end up on the island, some even making it their permanent home. And Robin wasn’t our first fox but he was by far our most memorable. He had a beautiful personality, impeccable manners and we loved having him around.

The big question is – will he still be on the island next spring? Story to be continued in 6 months! 🤞🙏

This story is dedicated to my little puppy of the forest whose visits I have so enjoyed this fall. 🥰 A humbling experience I will hold close to my heart forever!

Robin the Red, I hope you survive the winter wherever you end up, Safe travels my friend! ❤️ Winter well and hope we meet again!! 🥰🤗

Note: Never feed the wildlife! This could potentially turn a wild animal into a nuisance animal as is the case with many anchorages on Georgian Bay where the snapping turtles have been fed by boaters and now harass swimmers. Feeding or trying to touch wildlife never ends well for either party.