Sunday, April 26, 2026

SCOUNDREL SEASON: A RED FOX PHOTO AND VIDEO ESSAY.


1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

          Key to photos and videos:

          1. I present to you The Scoundrel.
          2. He runs nearby me and sits down rapidly.
          3. Parting company at night.
          4. Majestic scoundrel!
          5. Regal!
          6. Sometimes he’s just a head or ears.
          7. Bro just wants to be my dog. And he is! Every couple of days for a minute or two at a time — he is my dawg.

          All media from 2026, except: 

8.


We’ve posted this before, but we strongly believe the scoundrel from nos. 1-7 to be the kit who appears from 0:30 to 0:44 in this video (no. 8) made about three years ago. He may be the only surviving member of a seven-kit litter. He has probably known me most of his life. I say simple things to him — “Oi mate! You’re a good-looking fox, man! — so he always knows it’s me. When we say “scoundrel” we mean “beloved trickster.” We mean “fabulous critter” and “savvy beast.” Our best friend from the wild animal kingdom. It is, in fact, our highest compliment for a beastly soul. His mother is still out there. I see her about once a year. She is persevering . . . and so am I. 

Now for some exit music: “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” by The Stooges (1969.) Find your sweetie pie and play it loud. Though Iggy Pop probably meant these proto-punk lyrics in an abundantly suggestive manner, we know that wanting to be someone’s dog can spring from a deep well of vulpine friendship, oi.  




6 comments:

Anonymous said...

that's a beautiful scoundrel! he loves you... or he wants to trick you! maybe both lol. ~b

mark wallace said...

That's some serious fox footage you've got there.

DAN / DANIEL GUTSTEIN said...

hi ~b (babsy) well hahahaha, i'm aware of the potential trickster element which is why we think of this beast as a "scoundrel" but of course i don't mind being tricked so long as i can spend a few moments in the fox's company, glorious beast that he is! --b.a.

DAN / DANIEL GUTSTEIN said...

Thanks for taking a look, Mark. We are indeed proud of this serious footage, hahahaha, as it gives a glimpse of the majestic scoundrel. It's actually kind of hard to get it, the footage, at it requires (1) the scoundrel (2) rapidly calling up the app and (3) no nearby squirrels. One of my theories is -- the fox chases the squirrels because he wants to make a gift of one to me! No thanks, but how do I convey that? --b.a.

Anonymous said...

You've got a thing for foxes, and that's ok with me. -- Casey

DAN / DANIEL GUTSTEIN said...

I think the foxes around here are just exceptionally good-looking. It kind of wins me over. Well, mate, another season in mid-table ffs. Jack Army Stone Island. #YJB #STID